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1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II vs 1.6 Dual VVT-i: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II carries less risk than the 1.6 Dual VVT-i: 19/100 versus 20/100 (both low risk). The 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II has no documented serious faults; the 1.6 Dual VVT-i has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II

19

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.6 Dual VVT-i

20

Low risk · 0 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

23 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II reliable?

The 1.4 and 1.6 16v GM Daewoo E-TEC II (first-generation Lacetti/Optra and Aveo) have a timing belt and, according to the Polish press, a moderate fault record. Documented issues are faulty valves in the first units (2004-2005), lambda sensor faults and a few cases of oil leaks or oil consumption.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II faults

Is the 1.6 Dual VVT-i reliable?

Yes: the 1.6 Dual VVT-i and its Valvematic evolution (1ZR-FE/1ZR-FAE) is one of Toyota's most reliable naturally aspirated petrol engines of its era, with no timing belt and none of the oil consumption that afflicts other small engines from the brand. Its best-documented fault is a water pump leak on the first non-Valvematic units (2007-2009); ignition coils and the odd worn clutch appear to a lesser extent.[4][5][6][7][8][9]

See the 3 of the 1.6 Dual VVT-i faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II and 1.6 Dual VVT-i
1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II1.6 Dual VVT-i
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,598 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power83–109 hp122–132 hp
Production2004–2011[10][11][12][13][14]2007–2019[15][16][17][18][19][20]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)19Low risk20Low risk
Documented faults33
Of high or critical severity00
Worst severityMedium severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Faulty valves and ignition faults in the first units (2004-2005)
  2. Low severity: Lambda sensor faults
  3. Low severity: Oil consumption and oil leaks
  1. Medium severity: Water pump leak
  2. Low severity: Premature clutch wear on the manual gearbox
  3. Low severity: Ignition coil failure
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.4 and 1.5 8v SOHC (Aveo, 2005-2011)[3][14]
  • 1.5 and 1.6 16v DOHC 100-106 hp (A15DMS/A16DMS, Daewoo Lanos and Nubira, 1997-2008)[21][22]
  • 1.6 Dual VVT-i 122-126 hp (1ZR-FE, 2007-2009)[6]
  • 1.6 Dual VVT-i Valvematic 130-132 hp (1ZR-FAE, 2009-2019)[7][8][9]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 16v DOHC 95-101 hp (F14D4/L95, 2004-2011)[1][2][14]
  • 1.6 16v DOHC 103-109 hp (L91/LXT, 2004-2011)[2][14][23]
None
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Other comparisons

With the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II

With the 1.6 Dual VVT-i

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4 16V - Niełatwo zdobyć zaufanieAuto Świat · Motoring press · published 19 November 2007 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  2. Bez fajerwerków - Chevrolet Lacetti (2003-2010)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 7 April 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  3. Czy warto kupić: używany Chevrolet Aveo (od 2002 do 2011)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 5 March 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  4. Toyota Auris (I & II) – Bekannte Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Toyota Verso: typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Toyota Auris (2007-2012) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Toyota Auris (2012-2018) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Toyota Avensis (2008-2018) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Toyota Verso (2009-2017) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. GM Family 1 engineWikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Chevrolet LacettiWikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
  12. Chevrolet LacettiWikipedia (de) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  13. Chevrolet Aveo (T200)Wikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
  14. Używany Chevrolet Aveo T200/T250 - typowe awarie i problemyWP Autokult · Motoring press · published 28 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  15. Toyota ZR engineWikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
  16. Toyota AurisWikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
  17. Toyota Corolla (E170)Wikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
  18. Toyota AvensisWikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
  19. Toyota VersoWikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
  20. ValvematicWikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
  21. Daewoo Nubira: zwawa, pakowna i taniaAuto Świat · Motoring press · published 20 February 2006 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  22. Gdy koszty grają rolę - Daewoo/FSO Lanos (1997-2008)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 4 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  23. W pierwszych silnikach 1,6 l przecierały się zawory (Chevrolet Lacetti)AutoCentrum.pl (usterki) · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language