Common engine problems by mileage
What fails on the most common engines, at what mileage, and how to prove it before replacing parts: symptoms, fault codes, workshop tests and the fix that lasts. Members confirm the problems they have seen, with the mileage, so the numbers get better over time.
By make
Diesel engines
VW Group 1.9 TDI PD (Pumpe-Düse)
1998–2010 · Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Ford
- Big-end bearing failure (BXE and other 105 hp versions) · 150,000–280,000 km
- Camshaft and rocker roller wear · 150,000–300,000 km
- Injector wiring loom under the cam cover · 150,000–300,000 km
VW Group 2.0 TDI common rail (EA189)
2008–2015 · Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat
- Intake manifold flap fault (P2015) · 100,000–200,000 km
- High-pressure pump failure (Bosch CP4.1) · 100,000–250,000 km
- EGR valve and EGR cooler · 120,000–220,000 km
VW Group 1.6 TDI common rail (EA189)
2009–2015 · Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat
- Leaking or worn injectors · 120,000–250,000 km
- EGR valve sticking · 100,000–200,000 km
- Particulate filter clogging in town use · 60,000–180,000 km
BMW N47 2.0 and 1.6 diesel
2007–2018 · BMW, Mini, Toyota
- Timing chain stretch and guide failure · 100,000–220,000 km
- EGR cooler leaking coolant (recall) · 60,000–200,000 km
- Crankshaft pulley (vibration damper) failure · 120,000–250,000 km
Renault/Nissan 1.5 dCi (K9K)
2001–2021 · Renault, Dacia, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki
- Big-end bearing spin · 100,000–220,000 km
- Injector failure and starting problems · 100,000–250,000 km
- Turbo failure from oil starvation · 120,000–220,000 km
PSA/Ford 1.6 HDi and 1.6 TDCi (DV6)
2004–2018 · Peugeot, Citroën, Ford, Volvo, Mazda, Mini
- Leaking injector washers ("black death") · 60,000–180,000 km
- Turbo failure from a blocked oil feed · 100,000–220,000 km
- Particulate filter additive running out · 80,000–200,000 km
Fiat/Opel/Suzuki 1.3 Multijet, CDTI and DDiS
2003–2018 · Fiat, Opel, Suzuki, Ford, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Citroën
- Oil level rising (diesel in the oil) · 40,000–160,000 km
- Timing chain stretch · 150,000–250,000 km
- EGR valve clogging · 80,000–180,000 km
Mercedes-Benz OM651 2.1 and 1.8 CDI
2008–2019 · Mercedes-Benz
- Injector failure on early engines (Delphi piezo) · 40,000–150,000 km
- Injector seal leaks and seized injectors · 100,000–250,000 km
- Split charge-air hoses and limp mode · 100,000–250,000 km
Toyota 2.0 and 2.2 D-4D (1AD, 2AD)
2005–2015 · Toyota, Lexus
- Head gasket failure and high oil consumption · 80,000–200,000 km
- EGR and intake carbon build-up · 80,000–180,000 km
Mazda 2.2 diesel (MZR-CD and Skyactiv-D)
2008–2022 · Mazda
- Oil level rising from diesel dilution · 30,000–150,000 km
- Injector seal leaks and carbon in the oil (MZR-CD) · 80,000–200,000 km
- Timing chain stretch · 120,000–220,000 km
Petrol engines
VW Group 1.2 and 1.4 TSI (EA111, timing chain)
2006–2015 · Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat
- Timing chain stretch and tensioner · 60,000–160,000 km
- Cracked pistons on the high-output 1.4 TSI · 80,000–180,000 km
- Turbo wastegate rattle (1.4 TSI 122–125 hp) · 80,000–180,000 km
VW Group 1.8 and 2.0 TSI/TFSI (EA888, generations 1 and 2)
2007–2013 · Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat
- High oil consumption (piston rings) · 60,000–160,000 km
- Timing chain tensioner failure and chain jump · 60,000–180,000 km
- Crankcase breather (PCV) valve failure · 60,000–160,000 km
PSA/Stellantis 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech (EB)
2012–2023 · Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel
- Timing belt breaking down in the oil · 60,000–150,000 km
- High oil consumption · 60,000–160,000 km
Ford 1.0 EcoBoost (three-cylinder)
2012–2022 · Ford
- Coolant leaks and overheating · 30,000–150,000 km
- Timing belt in oil wearing early · 100,000–200,000 km
BMW/PSA 1.6 THP and VTi "Prince" (N14, N18, EP6)
2006–2018 · Mini, BMW, Peugeot, Citroën, DS
- Timing chain stretch, tensioner and guides · 60,000–160,000 km
- Oil consumption and carbon build-up · 60,000–160,000 km
- High-pressure fuel pump wear (turbo engines) · 80,000–180,000 km
Renault/Nissan 1.2 TCe and DIG-T (H5Ft, HRA2DDT)
2012–2018 · Renault, Dacia, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz
- High oil consumption · 40,000–120,000 km
- Timing chain stretch after running low on oil · 60,000–140,000 km
Hyundai/Kia 2.0 and 2.4 Theta II
2009–2019 · Hyundai, Kia
- Connecting-rod bearing failure · 50,000–200,000 km
- Carbon build-up on the intake valves (GDI) · 80,000–180,000 km
Fiat 1.4 MultiAir and 0.9 TwinAir
2009–2020 · Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia
- MultiAir actuator failure · 80,000–180,000 km
- Dual-mass flywheel and clutch judder (0.9 TwinAir) · 60,000–150,000 km
Volvo 5-cylinder petrol (2.0–2.5, turbo and non-turbo)
1997–2016 · Volvo, Ford
- Clogged crankcase ventilation (oil trap) · 100,000–200,000 km
- Electronic throttle module failure (older cars) · 80,000–180,000 km
- Timing belt, tensioner and idler pulley · 120,000–200,000 km
Hyundai/Kia 1.6 GDI (Gamma)
2010–2019 · Hyundai, Kia
- Carbon build-up on the intake valves · 80,000–160,000 km
- Oil consumption and piston or bearing damage · 80,000–200,000 km
Toyota/Lexus 1.8 Hybrid (2ZR-FXE)
2009–2022 · Toyota, Lexus
- Clogged EGR system, misfire and head gasket damage · 150,000–300,000 km
- Weak 12 V auxiliary battery · 40,000–150,000 km
- Inverter coolant pump failure · 80,000–250,000 km
Mileage windows are typical workshop experience, not manufacturer data. Engines vary by version, use and maintenance; always follow the service information for the vehicle.