1.8 TCe vs 2.0 FSI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8 TCe carries less risk than the 2.0 FSI: 32/100 versus 34/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.8 TCe has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars»; the 2.0 FSI has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

1.8 TCe

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

2.0 FSI

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

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

Reviewed on 31 October 202614 sources How we work

Is the 1.8 TCe reliable?

The 1.8 TCe (M5P) in the Alpine A110 and the Mégane R.S. IV has no documented endemic faults. What has been published are recalls for the A110: the oil pressure solenoid valve (2019) and the fuel pump (2021 and 2023). We have found no recalls or complaints about this engine in the Mégane R.S.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 2 of the 1.8 TCe faults

Is the 2.0 FSI reliable?

The 2.0 FSI is the naturally aspirated version with which the Volkswagen Group introduced petrol direct injection in a two-litre engine, before moving on to the turbocharged 2.0 TSI. Two faults recur across several models: carbon build-up on the intake valves, inherent to direct injection, and ignition coil failure, documented from 5,000 km in one case. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de nevertheless counts it among the most reliable petrol engines in the Audi A4 B7.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the 2.0 FSI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.8 TCe and 2.0 FSI
Item	1.8 TCe	2.0 FSI
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,798 cm³	1,984 cm³
Timing	—	Timing belt (dry)
Power	252–350 hp	150 hp
Production	2017–2026^[4][9][10]	2003–2009^[11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	32Moderate risk	34Moderate risk
Documented faults	2	3
Of high or critical severity	2	0
Worst severity	High severity	Medium severity
Main faults	High severity: A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars High severity: A110 fuel pump that can leave the car unable to start when hot	Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves Medium severity: Ignition coil failure Low severity: Blocked EGR valve
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	1.8 TCe 280–300 hp (M5P, Mégane R.S. IV, 2018–2023)^[1][3][4]	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.8 TCe 252–350 hp (M5P, Alpine A110, 2017–2026)^[1][3]	2.0 FSI (EA113, 150 hp, 2003-2009)^{[5][6][7][8][14]}
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

1.8 TCe

2.0 FSI

See the 10 models with the 2.0 FSI

Other comparisons

With the 1.8 TCe

With the 2.0 FSI

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.

Rappels Alpine A110 (2019). Risque de casse moteurL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 August 2019 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
Rappel Alpine A110. La pompe à essence de 2 849 exemplaires remplacéeL'argus · Motoring press · published 7 September 2021 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
Alpine A110. Un nouveau rappel pour remplacer des pompes à essenceL'argus · Motoring press · published 25 October 2023 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
Renault Mégane IVWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
Audi A3 8P: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
VW Passat B6 – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Audi A4 B7 (8E) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf V - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026
Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
Volkswagen Golf Mk5Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Volkswagen TouranWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
VW Passat B6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Volkswagen Passat - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French