1.4 HDi vs 1.2 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.4 HDi carries less risk than the 1.2 TDI: 43/100 versus 45/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.4 HDi has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump»; the 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

1.4 HDi

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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 202612 sources How we work

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.^[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the 1.4 HDi 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.^[4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.4 HDi and 1.2 TDI
Item	1.4 HDi	1.2 TDI
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	1,399 cm³	1,199 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	54–92 hp	75 hp
Production	2001–2010^{[1][8][9][10]}	2009–2014^[6][7]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	43Moderate risk	45Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	5
Of high or critical severity	1	2
Worst severity	High severity	High severity
Main faults	Medium severity: Injectors that lose their seal and let diesel escape High severity: Timing belt and water pump Medium severity: Premature turbo wear from poor lubrication	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^[11]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.4 HDi/TDCi 54/68/70 8V (DV4TD, 2001-2009)^[2][3] 1.4 HDi 90/92 16V (DV4TED4, 2002-2009)^[2][10]	1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)^[4][12]
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

1.4 HDi

See the 12 models with the 1.4 HDi

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the 1.4 HDi

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.

Motor PSA DVWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 68 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 70 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
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
Ford Duratorq engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Peugeot DV4TD engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
Peugeot DV4TED4 engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
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