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1.4 and 1.6 16v vs 2.3 VR5 (V5): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 VR5 (V5) carries less risk than the 1.4 and 1.6 16v: 32/100 versus 45/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.4 and 1.6 16v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt breakage or premature failure»; the 2.3 VR5 (V5) has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain stretch».

Risk index

1.4 and 1.6 16v

45

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

2.3 VR5 (V5)

32

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

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

19 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.4 and 1.6 16v reliable?

The K4J (1.4) and K4M (1.6), both naturally aspirated 16-valve units, are simple and generally reliable petrol engines: no source consulted documents oil consumption or faults that destroy the block. Their most-cited weak point is the ignition coils, followed by the crankshaft sensor and, on versions with a variable valve timing unit, its pulley; a neglected belt can cause serious damage, as one case in the Renault Laguna II documents.[1][2][3][4]

See the 6 of the 1.4 and 1.6 16v 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 1.4 and 1.6 16v and 2.3 VR5 (V5)
1.4 and 1.6 16v2.3 VR5 (V5)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—2,324 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power75–135 hp150–170 hp
Productionsince 1998[9][10][11]1997–2006[12][13][14]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)45Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults63
Of high or critical severity11
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Ignition coil failure
  2. High severity: Timing belt breakage or premature failure
  3. Medium severity: Crankshaft position sensor failure
  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
  • 1.6 16V 105-110 hp Dacia, without variable valve timing unit (K4M, 2004-2020)[4][15]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 16V 75-100 hp (K4J, 1999-2012)[16][17]
  • 1.6 16V 110-135 hp with variable valve timing unit (K4M, 1998-2020)[3][18][19]
  • 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

1.4 and 1.6 16v

See the 13 models with the 1.4 and 1.6 16v

2.3 VR5 (V5)

Other comparisons

With the 1.4 and 1.6 16v

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. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Mégane 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Scénic 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Laguna 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Duster 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 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. Renault K-Type engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Moteur K RenaultWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. VR5 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  13. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  14. VR-MotorWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  15. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  17. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Mégane 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  19. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Scénic 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French