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2.0 CDTI vs 2.5 TDI R5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 CDTI carries less risk than the 2.5 TDI R5: 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 2.5 TDI R5 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders».

Risk index

2.0 CDTI

38

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

2.5 TDI R5

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

14 sourcesHow 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 2.5 TDI R5 reliable?

The 2.5 TDI R5 in the T5 and the Touareg has a poor reputation: camshaft wear, pump injectors and cylinder coating. The later series were more reliable. It is not Audi's V6 TDI.[7][8][9]

See the 5 of the 2.5 TDI R5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 CDTI and 2.5 TDI R5
2.0 CDTI2.5 TDI R5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,956 cm³2,461 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power110–210 hp88–174 hp
Production2008–2019[1][10]2003–2011[11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)38Moderate risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults65
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
  2. Medium severity: Soot build-up in the injectors and EGR valve
  3. Medium severity: Clogged particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution on short journeys
  1. Critical severity: Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders
  2. High severity: Camshaft and hydraulic tappet wear
  3. Medium severity: Leaks and play in the unit injectors
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.0 CDTI 110-131 hp (A20DTH/A20DTJ, 2008-2015)[2][14]
  • 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)[10]
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp with DPF (BNZ, BPC, 2006-2009)[7]
  • 2.5 TDI common rail Crafter (88 to 163 hp, 2006-2011)[13]
AvoidVersions to avoidNone
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp (AXD, AXE, 2003-2006)[7]

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

2.5 TDI R5

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 CDTI

With the 2.5 TDI R5

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. Opel Insignia AWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Opel Astra (H, J, K): Technische Daten, Abmessungen, AnhängelastGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Fiabilité Opel Insignia - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité Opel Insignia Grand Sport - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. VW T5 4Motion Gebrauchtwagen-TestAuto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  8. Kaufberatung gebrauchter VW T5 (2003-2015)Promobil · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  9. Ratgeber Technik: Fehler VW T5Auto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  10. Opel InsigniaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. VW T5Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  12. VW Touareg IWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  13. Volkswagen CrafterWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Opel Insignia A – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German