2.0 CDTI vs 1.2 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 CDTI carries less risk than the 1.2 TDI: 38/100 versus 45/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.0 CDTI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger wear or failure»; the 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

2.0 CDTI

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.2 TDI

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

Reviewed on 27 September 202614 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 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.^{[7][8][9][10]}

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 CDTI and 1.2 TDI
Item	2.0 CDTI	1.2 TDI
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	1,956 cm³	1,199 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	110–210 hp	75 hp
Production	2008–2019^[1][11]	2009–2014^[9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	38Moderate risk	45Moderate risk
Documented faults	6	5
Of high or critical severity	2	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	High 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	Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update High severity: Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	up to €2,000Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)Published figure^[12]
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]	1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)^[7][14]
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

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 CDTI

With the 1.2 TDI

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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
Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Opel InsigniaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Opel Insignia A – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
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