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1.2 16v vs VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.2 16v carries less risk than the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: 36/100 versus 41/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.2 16v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Damaged head gasket and coolant loss»; the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower».

Risk index

1.2 16v

36

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

Risk index

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

41

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

16 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.2 16v reliable?

The 1.2 16v (D4F) and its 8-valve predecessor, the D7F, are simple naturally aspirated engines, used for over two decades as the entry-level option in Renault and Dacia cars, with a reputation for reliability: the reliability pages consulted document no catastrophic failures and no oil consumption. The most-cited problems are ignition coils and sensors and, on higher-mileage cars, the head gasket.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.2 16v faults

Is the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 reliable?

The 2.0 TFSI EA113 (2004-2013) is a direct-injection turbo engine with one widely cited weak point: the high-pressure pump cam follower, which should be checked or replaced as a preventive measure. With the timing belt up to date, it is considered worth buying.[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.2 16v and VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
1.2 16vVW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,149 cm³1,984 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power60–76 hp200–265 hp
Production2001–2020[8][9][10][11]2004–2013[6][7][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)36Moderate risk41Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity11
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Damaged head gasket and coolant loss
  2. Medium severity: Ignition coil failure (misfires, engine warning light)
  3. Medium severity: Probe and sensor faults (crankshaft position, throttle body)
  1. High severity: Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower
  2. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injection
  3. Medium severity: PCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumption
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €900Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerPublished figure[7]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious aboutNone
  • 2.0 TFSI 200 hp (AXX, BWA, BWE, BPY)[6][12]
  • 2.0 TFSI 230 hp (BYD, Golf GTI Edition 30)[7][12]
  • 2.0 TFSI 265 hp (BHZ, Audi S3 8P)[7][12]
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

1.2 16v

See the 12 models with the 1.2 16v

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

See the 8 models with the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Other comparisons

With the 1.2 16v

With the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

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. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Sandero 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Maxi-fiche fiabilité : la Renault Twingo 2Caradisiac · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. 2.0 TFSI EA113 upgrade bomba de alta presión BAR-TEK (seguidor de levas)BAR-TEK · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Audi A3 8P: puntos débiles y guía de compra (Schwachstellen)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  7. 2.0 TFSI (EA113): problemas conocidosAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. Moteur D RenaultWikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Renault TwingoWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  11. Renault Clio IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (2.0 TFSI EA113)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  13. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault KangooFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia LoganFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia SanderoFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French