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2.2 HDi vs 1.9 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.2 HDi carries less risk than the 1.9 TDI: 48/100 (moderate risk) versus 66/100 (high 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 1.9 TDI has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Big-end bearing failure».

Risk index

2.2 HDi

48

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.9 TDI

66

High risk · 3 serious faults

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

21 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 1.9 TDI reliable?

It depends a lot on the version. The rotary pump (1996-2003, codes ALH and AGR among others) has a reputation for great durability. The unit injector system (1999-2010) improves performance and emissions, but has more documented faults: dual-mass flywheel, turbo, EGR valve and, above all in the 105 hp version, cases of broken big-end bearings.[5][6][7][8][9][10][11]

See the 6 of the 1.9 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.2 HDi and 1.9 TDI
2.2 HDi1.9 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,179 cm³1,896 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power128–204 hp75–150 hp
Production2000–2015[1][3][12][13][14]1996–2010[5][15][16][17][18]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)48Moderate risk66High risk
Documented faults46
Of high or critical severity33
Worst severityHigh severityCritical 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. Critical severity: Big-end bearing failure
  2. High severity: Seized or broken variable-geometry turbo
  3. Medium severity: EGR valve clogged with carbon
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €1,500Premature wear of the dual-mass flywheel and clutchPublished figure[19]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.2 HDi 150-156 (single variable-geometry turbo, 2006-2012)[20][21]
  • 1.9 TDI rotary pump (VP37, 1996-2003)[6]
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][13]
  • 2.2 HDi 190-204 twin-turbo (DW12 C, 2010-2015)[13]
  • 1.9 TDI high-performance unit injector (101-150 hp, 1999-2003)[8][19]
  • 1.9 TDI unit injector 75-105 hp (2003-2010)[7][11]
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

Other comparisons

With the 2.2 HDi

With the 1.9 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. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Les TDI sont-ils fiables ?fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 15 December 2016 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Tous les problèmes sur Volkswagen Golf Vfiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Tous les problèmes sur Volkswagen Passat (1996-2004)fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Tous les problèmes sur Volkswagen Passat (2004-2010)fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Tous les problèmes sur Škoda Octavia (1997-2004)fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Tous les problèmes sur Škoda Octavia (2004-2012)fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Range Rover EvoqueWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 2,2 HDI 204 chevauxFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Essai Citroën C5 Exclusive + 2.2 HDI 200 TourerActu Automobile · Motoring press · published 2011 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Volkswagen Golf IVWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  16. Volkswagen Golf VWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  17. Volkswagen TouranWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  18. Volkswagen CaddyWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  19. Tous les problèmes sur Volkswagen Golf IVfiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  20. Essai Peugeot 4007 2.2 HDi DCS 6Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 7 April 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  21. Citroën C-CrosserWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish