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1.8 TCe vs 2.3 VR5 (V5): which engine is more reliable?

The 1.8 TCe and the 2.3 VR5 (V5) tie on our risk index: 32/100 (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 2.3 VR5 (V5) has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain stretch».

Risk index

1.8 TCe

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

2.3 VR5 (V5)

32

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

13 sourcesHow 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 2.3 VR5 (V5) reliable?

The 2.3-litre VR5 is a naturally aspirated five-cylinder with the timing chain at the rear of the engine. Gebrauchtwagenberater rates it as a buy with no known problems in the Golf IV, but in the Bora it warns that the chain sometimes stretches; AutoHints adds the coils and the plastic coolant parts as points to watch.[5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the 2.3 VR5 (V5) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.8 TCe and 2.3 VR5 (V5)
1.8 TCe2.3 VR5 (V5)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,798 cm³2,324 cm³
Timing—Chain
Power252–350 hp150–170 hp
Production2017–2026[4][9][10]1997–2006[11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults23
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars
  2. High severity: A110 fuel pump that can leave the car unable to start when hot
  1. High severity: Timing chain stretch
  2. Medium severity: Faulty ignition coils
  3. Medium severity: Coolant leaks from the hoses and thermostat housing
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo 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]
  • 2.3 VR5 10v 150 hp (AGZ; 1997-2001)[6][7]
  • 2.3 VR5 20v 170 hp (AQN, AZX; 2000-2006)[6][8]
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

1.8 TCe

2.3 VR5 (V5)

Other comparisons

With the 1.8 TCe

With the 2.3 VR5 (V5)

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. Rappels Alpine A110 (2019). Risque de casse moteurL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 August 2019 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  2. 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
  3. Alpine A110. Un nouveau rappel pour remplacer des pompes à essenceL'argus · Motoring press · published 25 October 2023 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  4. Renault Mégane IVWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  5. VW Golf 4: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 2 September 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  6. VW Bora (1J2) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 14 July 2022 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  7. Engine 2.3 VR5 (AGZ) 150 HP: Experiences, problems, fuel consumption and used-car buying tipsAutoHints · Technical documentation · published 24 July 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Volkswagen 2.3 VR5 20V (AQN): Experiences, problems, fuel consumption and used car buying tipsAutoHints · Technical documentation · published 24 July 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026
  10. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  11. VR5 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  12. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  13. VR-MotorWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German