Engine Problems and Buyer Guides
One guide per common car engine: the problems it is known for, when they tend to show up, what the fix costs at a European workshop, what a generic OBD2 reader can and cannot show, and what to check before you buy a car with it.
Already driving one of these? The free Skanyx app reads its fault codes so you can match them to the problems below.
Get the Skanyx app1.0 EcoBoost
Ford · Petrol · 2012-present · 7 known problems
Prefer a later chain-driven engine (from about 2019) with yearly oil changes on Ford-approved oil; buy an early belt engine only with invoices for belt work and no history of overheating or coolant loss.
1.2 PureTech
Stellantis (PSA) · Petrol · 2012-2025 · 4 known problems
Buy only with invoices showing the right oil, on-time services and a belt check or change, or choose a chain-driven third-generation version.
1.4 TSI
Volkswagen Group · Petrol · 2006-present · 6 known problems
A belt-driven EA211 (2012 on) is a sensible buy; a chain-driven EA111 only with proof of a replaced chain kit, no cold-start rattle and normal oil use, and an early twincharger only with full history.
1.5 dCi
Renault-Nissan · Diesel · 2001-present · 4 known problems
A later engine with invoices for oil changes every 15,000 km or once a year is a sensible buy; an early Delphi-era engine only with proof of bearing and injection work and no knock from cold.
1.6 THP
PSA and BMW (Prince engine family) · Petrol · 2006-2018 · 5 known problems
Choose an engine built from about 2011 with invoices for a timing chain kit, short oil-change intervals and normal oil use; walk away from an early engine with its original chain and no history.
2.0 TFSI
Volkswagen Group · Petrol · 2004-2016 · 6 known problems
Buy an EA888 only with normal oil use and invoices for a chain and tensioner replacement, or priced for both; a 2008-2011 engine that burns oil needs pistons and rings, and an EA113 needs a recent cam follower check and belt change.
N47 2.0d
BMW · Diesel · 2007-2015 · 5 known problems
Buy only with an invoice for a replaced chain kit, no rattle from a stone-cold start and the EGR cooler recall checked on the VIN; otherwise take the chain job off the price.
OM651 2.1 CDI
Mercedes-Benz · Diesel · 2008-2021 · 5 known problems
A car or van built from 2012 with regular oil changes is a sensible buy; a 2008-2011 220 or 250 CDI only with proof the injectors were replaced, and any OM651 only if it starts cold without chain clatter.