1.8T EA113 Passat vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+20 points over 1.8T EA113 Passat
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE 1.8T EA113 Passat Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.8T EA113 Passat
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
92
Years
1995--2005
1996--2006
Displacement
1781 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Diesel
Power
125--150 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€500--€2,000
€1,150--€2,900

Character

1.8T EA113 Passat

"Passat B5, A4 B5. Lower-output EA113 turbo. Same sludge/coil issues as GTI variant. Less stressed = slightly more reliable. Great balance of performance and economy."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

1.8T EA113 Passat 1

▲ HIGH
Oil sludge €500--€2,000 60,000 km--120,000 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

1.8T EA113 Passat 5

Passat B5 (3B) 1996--2005 Octavia 1U 1996--2000 Alhambra 7M 1996--2010 Superb 3U 2001--2008 Exeo 3R 2009--2013

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 1.8T EA113 Passat Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report