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MotorFiable

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

The 2.0 BlueHDi and the 2.5 TDI R5 tie on our risk index: 45/100 (moderate risk). The 2.0 BlueHDi has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «DPF clogging on short journeys»; the 2.5 TDI R5 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders».

Risk index

2.0 BlueHDi

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

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

15 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.0 BlueHDi reliable?

The 2.0 BlueHDi is mechanically one of the sturdiest PSA/Stellantis diesels: in the samples available for its 150 to 180 hp versions, the turbo, DPF, EGR and injectors fail noticeably less often than on earlier generations of the same engine from before 2013. Its documented weak point is the AdBlue tank, a fault so widespread that Stellantis compensates affected owners without a definitive fix.[1][2][3][4]

See the 4 of the 2.0 BlueHDi 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.[5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 2.5 TDI R5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 BlueHDi and 2.5 TDI R5
2.0 BlueHDi2.5 TDI R5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,997 cm³2,461 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power150–180 hp88–174 hp
Production2013–2021[8][9][10]2003–2011[11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)45Moderate risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: AdBlue (SCR) tank and pump failure
  2. High severity: DPF clogging on short journeys
  3. High severity: Injector and high-pressure pump wear
  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 repairup to €1,500AdBlue (SCR) tank and pump failurePublished figure[3][4]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.0 BlueHDi 150/163 (DW10FC/DW10FD, 2013-2020)[1][3][4]
  • 2.0 BlueHDi 177/180 (DW10FC/DW10FD, 2013-2021)[1][2]
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp with DPF (BNZ, BPC, 2006-2009)[5]
  • 2.5 TDI common rail Crafter (88 to 163 hp, 2006-2011)[13]
  • 2.5 TDI of the Transporter T4 (88, 102 and 151 hp, 1995-2003)[14][15]
AvoidVersions to avoidNone
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp (AXD, AXE, 2003-2006)[5]

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 BlueHDi

See the 13 models with the 2.0 BlueHDi

2.5 TDI R5

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 BlueHDi

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. Fiabilité du 2.0 HDIFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Opel Grandland X (2017-2024), pannes et témoignagesFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. AdBlue : problèmes en pagailleFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Stellantis amplía las compensaciones por los problemas técnicos de sus depósitos AdBlueMinisterio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030 · Official body · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. VW T5 4Motion Gebrauchtwagen-TestAuto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  6. Kaufberatung gebrauchter VW T5 (2003-2015)Promobil · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  7. Ratgeber Technik: Fehler VW T5Auto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  8. PSA EW/DW engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Peugeot 308Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Peugeot 308 5p GT 2.0 BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT8 (2017-2019) | Precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  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. VW T4 im Gebraucht-Check: Darauf muss man achtenPromobil · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  15. VW T4 Buying Guide: Problem AreasHeritage Parts Centre · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026