1.6 TDI (EA288) vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+16 points over 1.6 TDI (EA288)
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE 1.6 TDI (EA288) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.6 TDI (EA288)
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
76
92
Years
2009--2020
1996--2006
Displacement
1598 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Diesel
Power
90--115 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
0
3
Total Risk Cost
€0--€0
€1,150--€2,900

Character

1.6 TDI (EA288)

"Efficient commuter diesel. DPF-equipped. Good for mixed driving. Avoid short trips only."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

1.6 TDI (EA288) 0

No documented issues.

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

1.6 TDI (EA288) 41

Ibiza 6J 2010--2015 Roomster 5J 2010--2015 Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Caddy 2K 2010--2015 Altea 5P 2009--2015 Leon 1P 2010--2012 Ibiza 6J 2010--2015 Roomster 5J 2010--2015 Leon Mk2 (1P) 2009--2012 Superb 3T 2010--2015 Octavia 1Z 2009--2013 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2010--2015 Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Passat B7 (3C) 2010--2014 Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Golf Mk6 (5K) 2009--2012 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2010--2017 Rapid NH 2012--2019 Yeti 5L 2009--2018 Toledo Mk4 (KG) 2013--2019 Polo 6R/6C 2009--2014 Toledo Mk4 (KG) 2015--2019 A3 8V 2012--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2012--2018 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2012--2019 Leon 5F 2013--2020 Octavia 5E 2013--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2012--2020 Passat B8 (3G) 2014--2019 Superb 3V 2015--2019 Scala NW 2019--2020 Ateca KH7 2016--2020 Arona KJ7 2017--2021 Tiguan AD 2016--2020 Ateca KH 2016--2020 Touran 5T 2015--2020 Kodiaq NS 2017--2020 Karoq NU 2017--2020 T-Roc A11 2017--2020 Ibiza Mk5 (KJ) 2017--2021 Ibiza Mk5 (KJ) 2017--2021

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 1.6 TDI (EA288) Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report