Reliability rankings: engines and cars
Built only from the documented, cited faults of the engines and gearboxes we have analysed (203 so far). They are not statistics of faults per car sold.
More lists: faults by part and latest recalls.
The highest-risk engine among the 162 analysed is the 1.2 PureTech (96/100); the lowest-risk one, the 1.0 and 1.4 Boosterjet (6/100); the most expensive documented repair reaches €14,000 (“Total failure of the traction battery in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y”, Tesla Model 3 / Model Y).
Least reliable engines
The analysed engines with the highest risk, based on the severity and frequency of their faults.
See the full rankingMost reliable engines
The lowest-risk ones among those analysed, and which versions to buy.
See the full rankingWet timing belt engines
Which engines use it, what timing faults they have and how to prevent them.
- Rank 11.2 PureTech2 timing faults, the worst of critical severity severity
- Rank 21.0 EcoBoost1 timing fault, the worst of critical severity severity
- Rank 31.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue1 timing fault, the worst of critical severity severity
Most expensive repairs
The documented faults that cost the most to fix, at independent garages and dealerships.
- Rank 1Total failure of the traction battery in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y · Tesla Model 3 / Model Yup to €14,000
- Rank 2Valve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearbox · ZF 6HPup to €10,000
- Rank 2Excessive oil consumption and engine failure · 1.2 TCeup to €10,000
- Most reliable diesel engines
- Most reliable petrol engines
- Most reliable hybrid engines
- Most reliable electric engines
Car rankings
Adding up their engines and their suspension, brake, tyre, electronics and other faults across the rest of the car.
- suspension problems
- brakes problems
- tyres and wheels problems
- steering problems
- gearbox and clutch problems
- electrical system problems
- headlights and lights problems
- electronics and infotainment problems
- climate control problems
- bodywork and interior problems
- airbags and safety problems
By type of car
Torn between two engines?
Compare their risk index, their main faults and which versions to buy, side by side.
Compare enginesThe risk index weighs the severity and frequency of each engine's three most serious faults. How it is calculated · How we work