Skip to content
MotorFiable
en

1.3 Multijet vs 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC carries less risk than the 1.3 Multijet: 54/100 versus 64/100 (both high risk). The 1.3 Multijet has 4 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure»; the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger failure».

Risk index

1.3 Multijet

64

High risk · 4 serious faults

Risk index

1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

54

High risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

14 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.3 Multijet reliable?

The 1.3 Multijet is a reliable diesel in the basics, but it has a known weak point across all its brands: the timing chain and its tensioner can stretch or fail if oil changes are neglected, with a risk of serious damage. In urban use, the EGR valve, the particulate filter and the variable-geometry turbo add to the list.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.3 Multijet faults

Is the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC reliable?

The i-DTEC is Honda's diesel family from 2008, with two four-cylinder blocks: the 2.2 (Accord, CR-V) and, from 2013, the 1.6 (Civic, CR-V, HR-V). It uses a timing chain instead of a belt and common-rail injection. The basic architecture has a good reputation for longevity, but the emissions system (DPF and EGR) and the turbocharger account for most of the faults documented by owners themselves.[5][6][7][8]

See the 5 of the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.3 Multijet and 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC
1.3 Multijet1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,248 cm³—
TimingChainChain
Power69–105 hp120–180 hp
Production2003–2024[9][10][11]2008–2020[5][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk54High risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity43
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure
  2. High severity: Incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution
  3. High severity: Seized variable-geometry turbo
  1. High severity: Turbocharger failure
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain wear or breakage at high mileage
  3. Critical severity: Diesel injector wear or failure
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,200Injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuelPublished figure[3]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009)[1][2][3]
  • 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 5 (75-95 hp, 2009-2015)[2][4]
  • 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 6 (95 hp, 2015-2020)[2][4]
  • 1.6 i-DTEC 120 (N16A1, single turbo, from 2013)[6][14]
  • 1.6 i-DTEC 160 (N16A4, twin turbo, CR-V)[7]
  • 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S (N22B2, from 2010)[5]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.3 Multijet

See the 18 models with the 1.3 Multijet

1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

Other comparisons

With the 1.3 Multijet

With the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. 1.Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. 2.1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. 3.Fiat 1.3 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. 4.Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
  5. 5.Honda N engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. 6.Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. 7.Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2012-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. 8.Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2007-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. 9.Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. 10.Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  11. 11.Motor Fiat 1.3 JTD 16v: más información sobre el motorkm77 · Technical documentation · published September 2002 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. 12.Honda HR-VWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. 13.Avis et fiabilité Honda Accord (2008-2015)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. 14.Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2017-2022)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French