2.0 CDTI vs D4/D5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 CDTI carries less risk than the D4/D5: 38/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The 2.0 CDTI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger wear or failure»; the D4/D5 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)».

Risk index

2.0 CDTI

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

D4/D5

High risk · 2 serious faults

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

Reviewed on 27 September 202615 sources How we work

Is the 2.0 CDTI reliable?

Unlike the 1.3 and 1.6 CDTI of the same era, the Opel/Vauxhall 2.0 CDTI (2008-2019, 110-210 hp with BiTurbo variants) is an engine with a timing belt rather than a chain. It builds up soot in the injectors and EGR valve, clogs its DPF on short journeys, has a recorded faulty turbo and one engine failure, and its models were among those investigated by Germany's KBA and the Frankfurt public prosecutor over a possible switching-off of the emissions treatment.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

See the 6 of the 2.0 CDTI faults

Is the D4/D5 reliable?

The Volvo D5/D4 covers two different engines: the classic 5-cylinder (2001-2016, D5244T/D5204) and the 4-cylinder VEA (D4204T, from 2013). On the former, several owners document the auxiliary belt breaking and taking the timing belt with it, destroying the engine; on the VEA the most common problems are the EGR, the DPF and oil consumption that can damage the turbo from 90,000-150,000 km. Neither is an engine to buy without checking its service history.^{[7][8][9][10]}

See the 6 of the D4/D5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 CDTI and D4/D5
Item	2.0 CDTI	D4/D5
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	1,956 cm³	—
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	110–210 hp	120–235 hp
Production	2008–2019^[1][11]	2001–2024^[7][8][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	38Moderate risk	64High risk
Documented faults	6	6
Of high or critical severity	2	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure Medium severity: Soot build-up in the injectors and EGR valve Medium severity: Clogged particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution on short journeys	Critical severity: Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder) High severity: High oil consumption from 90,000-150,000 km that harms the turbo (VEA) Medium severity: Clogged EGR valve or EGR cooler leaking into the intake
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	2.0 CDTI 110-131 hp (A20DTH/A20DTJ, 2008-2015)^[2][13] 2.0 CDTI 160-170 hp (A20DTH/A20DTJ/B20DTH, 2008-2019)^[3][4] 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI 195 hp (A20DTR, 2011-2015)^[2] 2.0 CDTI BiTurbo 210 hp 4x4 (Insignia B, 2017-2022)^[11]	2.4/2.0 D3/D4/D5 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016)^[9][14] 2.0 D2/D3/D4/D5 VEA 4-cylinder (D4204T, 2013-2024)^[9][10][15]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

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

Cars that each one is fitted to

2.0 CDTI

D4/D5

See the 14 models with the D4/D5

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 CDTI

With the D4/D5

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Sources

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

Opel Insignia AWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel Astra (H, J, K): Technische Daten, Abmessungen, AnhängelastGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Opel Insignia - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Opel Insignia Grand Sport - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Opel está de nuevo en el punto de mira por las emisiones con 60.000 coches afectadosMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 16 July 2018 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
La Fiscalía alemana registra las instalaciones de Opel en el marco de una investigación sobre emisionesMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 15 October 2018 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Volvo Engine ArchitectureWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Volvo D5: 185 CV para el S60, V70, XC70 y XC90Autopista.es · Motoring press · published July 2005 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo V60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Opel InsigniaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Volvo XC90Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Opel Insignia A – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2017-)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French