2.2 Ecotec gasolina vs 2.3 VR5 (V5): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 VR5 (V5) carries less risk than the 2.2 Ecotec gasolina: 32/100 (moderate risk) versus 50/100 (high risk). The 2.2 Ecotec gasolina has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Stretched timing chain and seized tensioner on the 2.2 Ecotec»; the 2.3 VR5 (V5) has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain stretch».

Risk index

2.2 Ecotec gasolina

High risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

2.3 VR5 (V5)

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

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

Reviewed on 2 November 202616 sources How we work

Is the 2.2 Ecotec gasolina reliable?

This is the 2.2 petrol engine producing 147 to 155 hp in the Astra G, Zafira, Vectra and Signum. Its documented weak point is the timing chain, which stretches and can end in serious engine damage; the 2.2 Direct adds a high-pressure pump prone to failure.^[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the 2.2 Ecotec gasolina faults

Is the 2.3 VR5 (V5) reliable?

The 2.3-litre VR5 is a naturally aspirated five-cylinder with the timing chain at the rear of the engine. Gebrauchtwagenberater rates it as a buy with no known problems in the Golf IV, but in the Bora it warns that the chain sometimes stretches; AutoHints adds the coils and the plastic coolant parts as points to watch.^[4][5][6][7]

See the 3 of the 2.3 VR5 (V5) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.2 Ecotec gasolina and 2.3 VR5 (V5)
Item	2.2 Ecotec gasolina	2.3 VR5 (V5)
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	2,198 cm³	2,324 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	147–155 hp	150–170 hp
Production	2000–2010^{[8][9][10][11]}	1997–2006^[12][13][14]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	50High risk	32Moderate risk
Documented faults	2	3
Of high or critical severity	1	1
Worst severity	Critical severity	High severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Stretched timing chain and seized tensioner on the 2.2 Ecotec Medium severity: Faulty high-pressure pump or pressure regulator (P1191) on the 2.2 Direct	High severity: Timing chain stretch Medium severity: Faulty ignition coils Medium severity: Coolant leaks from the hoses and thermostat housing
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	2.2 16V 147 hp (Z22SE, 2000-2005)^[1][2][15] 2.2 Direct 150-155 hp (Z22YH, 2003-2010)^{[1][2][3][16]}	2.3 VR5 10v 150 hp (AGZ; 1997-2001)^[5][6] 2.3 VR5 20v 170 hp (AQN, AZX; 2000-2006)^[5][7]
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

2.2 Ecotec gasolina

2.3 VR5 (V5)

Other comparisons

With the 2.2 Ecotec gasolina

With the 2.3 VR5 (V5)

Compare other engines

First engine

Second engine

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

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

PROTIPS febi 33044: tensor de cadena para los motores Opel 2.2 de gasolina (Z22YH y Z22SE)febi bilstein (Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH) · Technical documentation · published January 2019 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Opel Vectra C: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Opel Zafira B 2005-2014: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VW Golf 4: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 2 September 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VW Bora (1J2) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 14 July 2022 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Engine 2.3 VR5 (AGZ) 150 HP: Experiences, problems, fuel consumption and used-car buying tipsAutoHints · Technical documentation · published 24 July 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026
Volkswagen 2.3 VR5 20V (AQN): Experiences, problems, fuel consumption and used car buying tipsAutoHints · Technical documentation · published 24 July 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026
Opel Astra GWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Opel Zafira AWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Opel Vectra CWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Opel Zafira BWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VR5 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
VR-MotorWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Opel Zafira (1999-2005): pannes par moteurFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Blitz-Info: Opel Signum 2.2 L, año 2003-2004, motor Z22YH (testigo del motor encendido)Hella · Technical documentation · published 31 March 2006 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German