2.0 FSI vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+34 points over 2.0 FSI
0 / 100
CAUTION 2.0 FSI Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

2.0 FSI
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
58
92
Years
2003--2008
1996--2006
Displacement
1984 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
150 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,300--€3,500
€1,150--€2,900

Character

2.0 FSI

"Golf V, Passat B6, A4 B7. First mass-market FSI (direct injection). Cam follower wear on HPFP. Carbon buildup on intake valves. Timing chain tensioner. FSI complexity with NA power. Disappointing."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

2.0 FSI 3

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain tensioner failure €800--€2,000 60,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Cam follower / HPFP wear €100--€500 40,000 km--80,000 km
▲ HIGH
Carbon buildup (DI) €400--€1,000 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

2.0 FSI 8

Ibiza 6K 1993--1999 Passat B6 (3C) 2005--2008 Octavia 1Z 2004--2008 Leon 1P 2005--2008 Toledo Mk3 (5P) 2005--2009 Leon Mk2 (1P) 2005--2008 Touran 1T 2003--2006 Altea 5P 2004--2008

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 2.0 FSI Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report