1.2 TDI (CFWA) vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+30 points over 1.2 TDI (CFWA)
0 / 100
CAUTION 1.2 TDI (CFWA) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.2 TDI (CFWA)
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
62
92
Years
2009--2014
1996--2006
Displacement
1199 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I3
I4
Type
Diesel
Diesel
Power
75 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€850--€2,200
€1,150--€2,900

Character

1.2 TDI (CFWA)

"Polo/Fabia/Roomster. 3-cylinder diesel. Timing belt. DPF clogs rapidly in city use. EGR valve fouling. Very low power. Good motorway economy but terrible for Athens stop-and-go. Linked to EA189 Dieselgate."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

"The legendary ALH. 500k+ miles documented. Simple mechanical injection. Nearly unkillable. Belt-driven."

Issues Comparison

1.2 TDI (CFWA) 3

▲ HIGH
DPF clogging (city driving) €400--€1,200 30,000 km--60,000 km
▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €250--€500 60,000 km--90,000 km
● MODERATE
EGR valve fouling €200--€500 60,000 km--100,000 km

1.9 TDI (ALH) 3

▲ HIGH
Timing belt replacement — interference engine €250--€500 60,000 km--90,000 km
○ MINOR
Injection pump wear (very high mileage) €400--€1,200 250,000 km--∞
○ MINOR
Turbo wear at very high mileage €500--€1,200 200,000 km--∞

Models

1.2 TDI (CFWA) 2

Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Roomster 5J 2010--2015

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 1.2 TDI (CFWA) Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report