1.9 TDI (ALH) vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+12 points over EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.9 TDI (ALH)
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
92
80
Years
1996--2006
2012--2020
Displacement
1896 cc
1984 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
90 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€1,150--€2,900
€700--€1,500

Character

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

"Same as Audi EA888 Gen 3. Dual injection, metal tensioner. Golf GTI/R engine. Proven."

Issues Comparison

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--∞

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 2

● MODERATE
Water pump failure €400--€900 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced in Gen 3) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 31

Golf Mk6 (5K) 2010--2012 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2017 Passat B8 (3G) 2014--2019 Superb 3V 2015--2019 Octavia 5E 2013--2017 Octavia 5E 2017--2020 Kodiaq NS 2017--2024 Transporter T5 2012--2015 Transporter T6 2015--2021 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2016--2017 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2019 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2014--2017 Leon 5F 2014--2017 A3 8V 2013--2016 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2016--2018 A3 8V 2016--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2017--2020 Leon 5F 2017--2020 Tiguan AD 2016--2024 Superb 3V 2019--2024 Q3 F3 2019--present Passat B8 (3G) 2019--2023 Arteon 3H 2017--present Ateca KH 2016--present Ateca 2.0 TSI KH 2018--2024 SUV Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Golf R 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 2.0 TSI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Polo GTI 2.0 TSI AW 2017--2024 Hatchback Scirocco 2.0 TSI 13 2008--2017 Coupe T-Roc R 2.0 TSI A1 2019--2024 SUV
Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report Full EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Report