Engine reliability isn't opinion.
It's data.

Search 484 engines across 34 brands and 4802 models. Reliability scores, known issues, repair costs — before you buy.

Most Reliable Engines

The engines that just refuse to die

BEST 96

OM606

Mercedes-Benz

3.0L NA Diesel I6

1993–2001

300D, E 300D

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BEST 95

M50/M52

BMW

2.0-2.8L NA I6

1990–2000

3 Series, 5 Series, Z3

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BEST 93

B58

BMW

3.0L Turbo I6

2015–present

1 Series, 7 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 4 Series, GR Supra, 2 Series, X5, Z4, X6, X3, X4, X7, 8 Series, 340i

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BEST 93

M54

BMW

2.2-3.0L NA I6

2000–2006

3 Series, 5 Series, Z4, Z3, X5

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BEST 92

1.9 TDI (ALH)

Volkswagen

1.9L TDI I4

1996–2006

Golf 1.9 TDI, Polo 1.9 TDI

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BEST 92

1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV)

Volkswagen

1.9L TDI I4

1996–2009

Golf, Ibiza, Felicia, Polo, A4, Octavia, Leon, Toledo, A3, Arosa, Fabia, Cordoba, Alhambra, Passat, Superb, A6, Transporter, Altea, Touran, Roomster

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BEST 92

1NZ-FE/FXE

Toyota

1.5L I4 / Hybrid

2000–present

Corolla/Auris, Yaris, Yaris Cross

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BEST 92

1NZ-FXE

Toyota

1.5L Hybrid I4

2000–present

C-HR 1.8 Hybrid, Yaris 1.5 Hybrid

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Engines to Avoid

Known expensive failure modes — walk away or negotiate hard

AVOID 25

N53

BMW

3.0L DI I6

2007–2011

3 Series, 5 Series

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AVOID 25

Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ)

Hyundai/Kia

2.4L GDI I4

2009–2020

Santa Fe 2.4 GDI, Sorento 2.4 GDI

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AVOID 28

Ingenium 2.0D (pre-2019)

JLR

2.0L Turbo Diesel I4

2015–2019

Discovery Sport 2.0D, Range Rover Evoque 2.0D, XE 2.0D, XF 2.0D

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AVOID 28

N42/N45/N46

BMW

1.6-2.0L NA I4

2001–2011

3 Series, 1 Series, X1

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AVOID 30

Nu 2.0 GDI (G4NA)

Hyundai/Kia

2.0L GDI I4

2011–2020

Tucson, Sportage 2.0 GDI

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AVOID 32

EcoBoost 1.6

Ford

1.6L Turbo I4

2010–2017

Focus, Fiesta

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AVOID 32

N54

BMW

3.0L Twin-Turbo I6

2006–2010

3 Series, 1 Series, Z4, 5 Series

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AVOID 35

W8 4.0

Volkswagen

W8 4.0 (BDN)

2001–2004

Passat

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Most Reliable Engines

The engines that just refuse to die. Top reliability scores across all brands.

Engines to Avoid

These engines have known, expensive failure modes. Walk away — or negotiate hard.

Best Diesel Engines

Reliable diesels that won't kill your wallet with DPF and turbo problems.

Best Petrol Engines

Naturally aspirated and turbo petrol engines you can trust.

Best BMW Engines

Which BMW engines to buy — and which to run from.

Best Mercedes-Benz Engines

Mercedes reliability decoded — from bulletproof to money pit.

Best Audi Engines

Audi and VW Group engines ranked. EA888 Gen 1 vs Gen 3 — night and day.

Best Toyota Engines

Toyota's legendary reliability — verified. Zero AVOID verdicts.

Best Volkswagen Engines

VW engines from the legendary 1.9 TDI to the modern EA211.