Skip to content
MotorFiable

1.8 TCe vs 1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827: which engine is more reliable?

The 1.8 TCe and the 1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827 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 1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump».

Risk index

1.8 TCe

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827

32

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

18 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 1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827 reliable?

Simple, naturally aspirated petrol engines that, according to the sources, last a long time with regular maintenance. Gebrauchtwagenberater describes the 8-valve 1.6 as old-fashioned but reliable, and the 102 hp 1.6 MPI as even more reliable than the 1.4 16v. Watch the timing belt with the water pump, coolant leaks, oil consumption (especially on the 2.0) and idle and sensor faults.[5][6][7][8]

See the 6 of the 1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.8 TCe and 1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827
1.8 TCe1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,798 cm³—
Timing—Timing belt (dry)
Power252–350 hp75–120 hp
Production2017–2026[4][9][10]1991–2013[11][12][13][14][15]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults26
Of high or critical severity22
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 belt and water pump
  2. Medium severity: Coolant leaks: flange and water pump
  3. Medium severity: High oil consumption
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €700Timing belt and water pumpPublished figure[16]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.8 TCe 280–300 hp (M5P, Mégane R.S. IV, 2018–2023)[1][3][4]
  • 1.6 8v 100-101 hp (AEK, AFT, ADP, AEH, AKL, APF, BAH; 1994-2008)[5][17]
  • 1.6 8v 102 hp (AVU, BFQ, ALZ, BGU, BSE, BSF, CCSA; 2000-2013)[6][18]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.8 TCe 252–350 hp (M5P, Alpine A110, 2017–2026)[1][3]
  • 1.6 8v 75 hp (ABU, AEA, AEE, 1F, ALM; 1992-2001)[8]
  • 2.0 8v 115-120 hp (2E, ADY, APK, AQY, AZJ and others; 1991-2010)[5][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

1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827

See the 33 models with the 1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827

Other comparisons

With the 1.8 TCe

With the 1.6 and 2.0 8v EA827

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

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 IV (1J): Schwachstellen und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  6. Skoda Octavia II (1Z): Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 April 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  7. Seat Leon Mk1: Probleme, Schwachstellen, ErfahrungenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 7 May 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  8. Fiabilité Skoda Octavia (1997-2004) - pannes moteur, boîte...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  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. Volkswagen EA827 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  12. SEAT ToledoWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  13. VW New BeetleWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  14. Škoda Octavia IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  15. SEAT ExeoWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  16. Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra a la correaMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  17. Fiabilité Audi A3 (1996-2003) - pannes moteur, boîte...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  18. Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf V - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French