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1.7 CDTI vs 1.4 HDi: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.7 CDTI carries less risk than the 1.4 HDi: 36/100 versus 43/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.7 CDTI has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear»; the 1.4 HDi has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump».

Risk index

1.7 CDTI

36

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.4 HDi

43

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

15 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.7 CDTI reliable?

The 1.7 CDTI (Isuzu, 2003-2015) is a simple, widely used diesel, but it has built up accounts of soot-fouled EGR valves and injectors, a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) with oil dilution, wear of the dual-mass flywheel and clutch, and of the Hitachi-brand alternator; it also requires the timing belt to be changed every 150,000 km or 6 years to avoid a serious failure.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 1.7 CDTI faults

Is the 1.4 HDi reliable?

It is a small diesel that is generally reliable, but with a very well-documented weakness: the injectors tend to lose their seal over time and let diesel escape. The turbo and the EGR valve also fail on a noticeable minority of units, and there are isolated cases of the crankshaft damper pulley failing at very high mileages. The timing belt does not seem to cause more problems than on any diesel of its era if it is changed on time.[8][9][10]

See the 5 of the 1.4 HDi faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.7 CDTI and 1.4 HDi
1.7 CDTI1.4 HDi
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,686 cm³1,399 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power100–130 hp54–92 hp
Production2003–2015[1][11][12]2001–2010[8][13][14][15]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)36Moderate risk43Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity31
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear
  2. High severity: Clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution
  3. Critical severity: Timing belt: risk of serious failure if not changed on time
  1. Medium severity: Injectors that lose their seal and let diesel escape
  2. High severity: Timing belt and water pump
  3. Medium severity: Premature turbo wear from poor lubrication
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.7 CDTI 100-101 hp (Z17DTH, 2003-2007)[6][7]
  • 1.7 CDTI 110 hp (Z17DTJ/A17DTJ/A17DTC/A17DTE, 2007-2014)[6][7]
  • 1.7 CDTI 125 hp (Z17DTR/A17DTR, 2006-2013)[2][3]
  • 1.7 CDTI 130 hp (A17DTS, 2010-2015)[6][7]
  • 1.4 HDi/TDCi 54/68/70 8V (DV4TD, 2001-2009)[9][10]
  • 1.4 HDi 90/92 16V (DV4TED4, 2002-2009)[9][15]
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

1.7 CDTI

See the 7 models with the 1.7 CDTI

1.4 HDi

See the 12 models with the 1.4 HDi

Other comparisons

With the 1.7 CDTI

With the 1.4 HDi

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. Circle L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Essai complet Opel Astra (H) : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Essai complet Opel Zafira 2 : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Essai complet Opel Meriva : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Opel Astra H (A04): Probleme & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Opel Meriva A: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Opel Meriva B: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Motor PSA DVWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 68 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 70 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Opel Corsa DWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. Opel MerivaWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  13. Ford Duratorq engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  14. Peugeot DV4TD engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  15. Peugeot DV4TED4 engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026