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

According to our risk index, the 1.2 TDI carries less risk than the 2.2 HDi: 45/100 versus 48/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.2 HDi has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «DPF clogging with additive, especially on the 128-138 hp version»; the 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

2.2 HDi

48

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.2 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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 2.2 HDi reliable?

This is a diesel derived from the 2.0 HDi that PSA and Ford shared in large saloons and MPVs (407, 607, 807, C5, C6, C8) and that Land Rover and Ford used under their own names (TDCi, TD4, SD4) in the Mondeo IV, the Freelander 2 and the first Evoque. According to fiches-auto it does not suffer chronically from the turbo or dual-mass flywheel problems of smaller HDi engines, but the 128-138 hp version does have a recurring problem of DPF clogging.[1][2][3][4]

See the 4 of the 2.2 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.[5][6][7][8]

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.2 HDi and 1.2 TDI
2.2 HDi1.2 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,179 cm³1,199 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power128–204 hp75 hp
Production2000–2015[1][3][9][10][11]2009–2014[7][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)48Moderate risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: DPF clogging with additive, especially on the 128-138 hp version
  2. High severity: Turbo faults, somewhat more frequent on the sequential twin-turbo versions
  3. High severity: Piezo injector wear and failure
  1. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update
  2. High severity: Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump
  3. High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €2,000Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[12]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.2 HDi 150-156 (single variable-geometry turbo, 2006-2012)[13][14]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.2 HDi 128-138 (DW12 TED4, single turbo, 2000-2006)[4]
  • 2.2 HDi 170-175 twin-turbo (DW12 BTED4, 2005-2010)[4][10]
  • 2.2 HDi 190-204 twin-turbo (DW12 C, 2010-2015)[10]
  • 1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)[5][15]
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

2.2 HDi

See the 13 models with the 2.2 HDi

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the 2.2 HDi

With the 1.2 TDI

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. PSA EW/DW engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Ford MondeoWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Land Rover FreelanderWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 2,2 HDI 136 chevauxFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Range Rover EvoqueWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 2,2 HDI 204 chevauxFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Essai Citroën C5 Exclusive + 2.2 HDI 200 TourerActu Automobile · Motoring press · published 2011 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Essai Peugeot 4007 2.2 HDi DCS 6Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 7 April 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Citroën C-CrosserWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. 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