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1.6 THP vs VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 carries less risk than the 1.6 THP: 41/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The 1.6 THP has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)»; the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower».

Risk index

1.6 THP

64

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

41

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

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.6 THP reliable?

The 1.6 THP turbo and its naturally aspirated sibling, the 1.6 VTi, make up the Prince family, developed together with BMW and also used by MINI: they do not have a reputation for reliability. Turbo versions built before 2012 carry a known problem of timing chain stretch, and the whole block shares a water pump described as fragile; the turbo versions add oil consumption and high-pressure fuel pump failures.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.6 THP faults

Is the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 reliable?

The 2.0 TFSI EA113 (2004-2013) is a direct-injection turbo engine with one widely cited weak point: the high-pressure pump cam follower, which should be checked or replaced as a preventive measure. With the timing belt up to date, it is considered worth buying.[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 THP and VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
1.6 THPVW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,598 cm³1,984 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power120–270 hp200–265 hp
Production2006–2018[1][8][9]2004–2013[6][7][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk41Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)
  2. High severity: Fragile water pump and heat exchanger
  3. Medium severity: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versions
  1. High severity: Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower
  2. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injection
  3. Medium severity: PCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumption
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €900Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerPublished figure[7]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 VTi 120 / 1.6 16v (EP6/EP6C, N12/N16, naturally aspirated)[4]
  • 1.6 THP medium output (EP6DT/EP6DTS/EP6CDT, N14/N18; 140-190 hp)[2][3][11]
  • 1.6 THP high performance (EP6CDXD/EP6FDTR/EP6CDTR, John Cooper Works N14/N18; 200-270 hp)[2][3][4]
  • 2.0 TFSI 200 hp (AXX, BWA, BWE, BPY)[6][10]
  • 2.0 TFSI 230 hp (BYD, Golf GTI Edition 30)[7][10]
  • 2.0 TFSI 265 hp (BHZ, Audi S3 8P)[7][10]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

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

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.6 THP

See the 16 models with the 1.6 THP

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

See the 8 models with the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 THP

With the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

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. Prince engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Moteurs essence qui consomment de l'huileFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Liste des moteurs qui ont des soucis de refroidissementFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. 2.0 TFSI EA113 upgrade bomba de alta presión BAR-TEK (seguidor de levas)BAR-TEK · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Audi A3 8P: puntos débiles y guía de compra (Schwachstellen)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  7. 2.0 TFSI (EA113): problemas conocidosAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. Peugeot 308Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Peugeot RCZWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (2.0 TFSI EA113)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  11. BMW Recalls Fuel Pumps. Mini Does NotMotoringFile · Motoring press · published 27 October 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026