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
OM606
Mercedes-Benz
3.0L NA Diesel I6
1993–2001
300D, E 300D
View details →M50/M52
BMW
2.0-2.8L NA I6
1990–2000
3 Series, 5 Series, Z3
View details →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
View details →M54
BMW
2.2-3.0L NA I6
2000–2006
3 Series, 5 Series, Z4, Z3, X5
View details →1.9 TDI (ALH)
Volkswagen
1.9L TDI I4
1996–2006
Golf 1.9 TDI, Polo 1.9 TDI
View details →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
View details →1NZ-FE/FXE
Toyota
1.5L I4 / Hybrid
2000–present
Corolla/Auris, Yaris, Yaris Cross
View details →1NZ-FXE
Toyota
1.5L Hybrid I4
2000–present
C-HR 1.8 Hybrid, Yaris 1.5 Hybrid
View details →Engines to Avoid
Known expensive failure modes — walk away or negotiate hard
N53
BMW
3.0L DI I6
2007–2011
3 Series, 5 Series
View details →Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ)
Hyundai/Kia
2.4L GDI I4
2009–2020
Santa Fe 2.4 GDI, Sorento 2.4 GDI
View details →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
View details →N42/N45/N46
BMW
1.6-2.0L NA I4
2001–2011
3 Series, 1 Series, X1
View details →Nu 2.0 GDI (G4NA)
Hyundai/Kia
2.0L GDI I4
2011–2020
Tucson, Sportage 2.0 GDI
View details →EcoBoost 1.6
Ford
1.6L Turbo I4
2010–2017
Focus, Fiesta
View details →N54
BMW
3.0L Twin-Turbo I6
2006–2010
3 Series, 1 Series, Z4, 5 Series
View details →W8 4.0
Volkswagen
W8 4.0 (BDN)
2001–2004
Passat
View details →Browse by Brand
Explore
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.