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2.2 TD4 / SD4 vs 1.2 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.2 TD4 / SD4 carries less risk than the 1.2 TDI: 32/100 versus 45/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.2 TD4 / SD4 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Coolant leak from the EGR valve cooler»; the 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

2.2 TD4 / SD4

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.2 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

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

13 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.2 TD4 / SD4 reliable?

This is the 2.2-litre diesel of the Freelander 2, the first Evoque, the 2014-2015 Discovery Sport and the Jaguar XF 2.2D. The sources consulted do not describe it as a problematic engine, but they point to three things: the EGR cooler, the DPF in urban use, and replacing the belt along with the water pump.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the 2.2 TD4 / SD4 faults

Is the 1.2 TDI reliable?

A three-cylinder diesel with a single homologated output (75 hp) that Volkswagen fitted to the low-consumption versions of its smallest models between 2009 and 2014. It belongs to the EA189 family and was added to the list of engines in the emissions scandal a few days later. Its timing belt also drives the water pump and the high-pressure pump, so do not put off replacing it; also keep an eye on the turbo, the EGR and the particulate filter.[4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.2 TD4 / SD4 and 1.2 TDI
2.2 TD4 / SD41.2 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,179 cm³1,199 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power150–200 hp75 hp
Production2006–2015[8][9][10][11]2009–2014[6][7]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults35
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Coolant leak from the EGR valve cooler
  2. Critical severity: Timing belt failure and water pump failure
  3. Medium severity: Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged by urban use
  1. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update
  2. High severity: Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump
  3. High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €2,000Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[12]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)[4][13]
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

2.2 TD4 / SD4

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the 2.2 TD4 / SD4

With the 1.2 TDI

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. Land Rover Freelander Mk2 common problems 2006-2015Haynes · Technical documentation · published December 2022 · consulted 5 October 2026
  2. Test / Avis Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2.2 SD4 190 ch (2011-2018)Fiches-auto · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  3. Problemas Land Rover Freelander 2Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Land Rover FreelanderWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  9. Land Rover Discovery SportWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  10. Jaguar XF (X250)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  11. How to fit a timing belt on a Land Rover Freelander 2Professional Motor Mechanic (PMM) · Motoring press · published 22 January 2018 · consulted 5 October 2026
  12. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra la correa de distribuciónMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish