EA189 TDI vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+37 points over EA189 TDI
0 / 100
CAUTION EA189 TDI Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

EA189 TDI
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
55
92
Years
2008--2015
1996--2006
Displacement
1968 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Diesel
Power
110--177 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€400--€2,700
€1,150--€2,900

Character

EA189 TDI

"The Dieselgate engine. Mechanically decent but emissions cheating scandal. Residual value impact. Fixed under recall."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

EA189 TDI 2

◆ CRITICAL
Dieselgate NOx defeat device — verify recall complete €0--€1,500 0 km--∞
▲ HIGH
EGR failure post-recall (widespread) €400--€1,200 0 km--60,000 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

EA189 TDI 5

Golf 2.0 TDI MK5 2003--2008 Hatchback Leon 1.6 TDI 5F 2012--2020 Hatchback Octavia 1.6 TDI 5E 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 2.0 TDI B7 2010--2015 Sedan Tiguan 2.0 TDI 5N 2007--2016 SUV

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full EA189 TDI Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report