What's the most reliable turbo 4cyl engine out there?
Posted by milifiliketz@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 167 comments
I know we're still early into the turbo era, but are there any turbo 4s that can compare in terms of longevity and reliability to some bulletproof naturally aspirated engines of similar size? For example they can hit 200k miles of mostly city driving without issues?
kuddlesworth9419@reddit
We have had turbo engines for 40 odd years now I wouldn't day we where in the early days. As for reliable turbo engines I would say one of the older generation turbo diesel engines. Probably no later then the early to mid 00's but I bet there are some great modern engines out there now. Volvo, Ford had some good ones I think and SAAB as well.
abgerutsch@reddit
ABL engine used in the Golf Mark 3 an T4 Bus. There is a saying that they are worn in at 300.000km in Germany ^^
AK-JXRDY-7@reddit
Lmfao, I love it.
luckypants@reddit
This completely, I'd also add that there is a difference between an "efficiency" turbo and a "performance turbo". Performance turbos push the engine to much higher compression ratios than most efficiency turbos do. One favors performance, the other favors fuel efficiency. This has a pretty significant impact on reliability, and IMO means they are not an apples-to-apples comparison.
kuddlesworth9419@reddit
Should be more reliable but the real world isn't always like that because engineering and manufacturing defects can effect any engine. But yea the most reliable engines are the ones that have generally a larger capacity engine with either a low boost turbo/supercharger or are naturally aspirated. But int he real world it's tuff like coolant hoses and external bolt on stuff that is important that breaks and kills the engine not so much the engine itself.
JALbert@reddit
I have driven turbo cars only (Volvos and now Merc) for 20+ years and never had an engine/turbo issue.
swagfarts12@reddit
I think by "turbo era" OP probably means the 2010s phenomenon of completely getting rid of smaller displacement/cylinder count naturally aspirated engines and significantly cutting down on the number of larger naturally aspirated ones
amazinjoey@reddit
Saab is Still one of the most efficient engines to this day. The B235 pump more air than B58 while having 2 cylinder less
11iron@reddit
Lbz duramax comes to mind. They still are outrageously expensive considering almost 20 years old.
PM_ME_YO_TREE_FIDDY@reddit
Engine itself I think the current B48 is up there.
KingstonEagle@reddit
Once I graduate college I’m getting an M235i GC and nobody can stop me
akdetroit@reddit
They're nice little cars, and thanks to the Mini chassis they are supposed to handle quite well for what they are, at least compared to the Audi S3 and Merc CLA. I was considering one but decided to go for the Giulia since it's a similar power train style but RWD based and more engaging steering.
AK-JXRDY-7@reddit
The Giulia is one of my favourite attainable dream cars. Not to downplay your car by any means, but imagine what the Giulia GTAm must be like.
Boeing_737_MIN@reddit
Just get a JCW Mini at that point. You'll shed over 700 pounds and gain a manual.
Dodoz44@reddit
I won't stop you, but I won't stop myself from laughing at your misbadged mini either.
Ecsta-C3PO@reddit
I'm not even mad that it's a reworked mini, because they're been known for great handling.
Just...why make it look like a Dodge Dart?
KingstonEagle@reddit
I think it’s gorgeous in all black
zzctdi@reddit
Even on multiple reads, I'm not sure if BMW should take that as a compliment or an insult
KingstonEagle@reddit
I love my Corolla so I consider it a compliment. It’s a small sedan. Of course the comparisons is gonna be there, it’s just the M235i is better in every way, which it should be considering the difference in price
PM_ME_YO_TREE_FIDDY@reddit
The B48 is fun for a 4 cyl, although it does feel really empty before the turbo kicks in even on my 330e with the electric torque supposed to help
6786_007@reddit
It's crazy times when BMW is not only making good reliable engines, but they are efficient and powerful too. Pray they do not alter the deal any further.
AK-JXRDY-7@reddit
I know they've been doing it before then, but their partnership with Toyota has been absolutely phenomenal for both brands, despite the fake online hate.
TheReaperSovereign@reddit
Also Car and driver got like 43 or 44 mpg on the highway with the new 330i which beat the civic and corolla lol
GreasedLlama@reddit
To be fair, I can get 28-30 on the highway with my tuned + bolt ons S55.
fknlo@reddit
I generally get 38-40mpg with my commute with my F30 330i. It's definitely capable of doing better than that on a long trip too. Cold starts definitely knock a bit off. It's a fantastic little engine.
6786_007@reddit
Which is bonkers, my A5 with the EA888, Quattro Ultra disconnecting driveshaft bs, and mild hybrid can muster 35mpg on the highway at best.
exodus3252@reddit
My A5 averaged 39 on mostly flat terrain a few weeks ago when I took a trip. Average speed was a consistent 80-85 mph.
These engines are only rated at 32, but significantly exceed that in my experience.
TheReaperSovereign@reddit
Look at my post history lol. Got 36.8 with the b58
6786_007@reddit
I saw some post similar numbers not too long ago. Low Key regret not just going for the 540i. Granted I love the A5, but I can't wait for the day I get the B58 too.
PM_ME_YO_TREE_FIDDY@reddit
Yeah 300hp with that mileage makes for a great daily
thisisjustascreename@reddit
Technically 255 but we all know BMW power ratings are full of shit.
glorfiedclause@reddit
Let’s avoid talking about oil and coolant issues at higher miles.
Jokes aside- they are extremely easy to work on yourself and fairly cheap to fix.
I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit
Definitely been my experience, my B48 is still running strong at over 100k, still feels new.
Syn3rgetic@reddit
EA888
The_Crazy_Swede@reddit
Volvo b230ft
Blackgizmo@reddit
I don’t think it’s possible for anything to beat out a turbo redblock for reliability
The_Crazy_Swede@reddit
Nope, they are pretty much bulletproof. They just keep working like nothing happened.
konck@reddit
Came here for this. I was gonna say b21ft because I had a 240
BudFox_LA@reddit
2016 328i n26 here, 95k miles, dead reliable so far just regular maintenance. Ran jb+ tuner for years and then jb4 which I have currently. 280hp/320tq at the wheels, 35mpg hwy. original timing chain, so far so good
returningSorcerer@reddit
turbo and reliable are kind of antithetical unless we're talking about a 2.5NA EJ
spacefret@reddit
A 2.5 NA is by definition non-turbo.
Sweaty-Somewhere-191@reddit
some of the most reliable engines on the planet use turbos
metalmelts@reddit
No doubt something made by Volvo
Ok-Past9232@reddit
EA888 from vw/audi, but gen 3+ (the ones without the timing chain and oil consumption issues)
Granddy01@reddit
Absolutely not.
Gen 3 has a rat nest of issues as well.
HockeyMike24@reddit
Traded my Mk7 GTI in after finding out it needed a turbo replacement at 130k. Granted it was tuned and I drove it like a racecar. Still did all the maintenance on time or early though
ripestmango@reddit
This is hard to believe. You’re telling me you spent more money to get into a pick-up truck than buy a new turbo?
impulsivetech@reddit
Nevermind the fact that you can buy a used but good is20 for like <$300.
6786_007@reddit
Lol. I think the jury is still out on the timing chain issues on the gen 3+. TBH many b9s aren't at that mileage yet or just now getting to that mileage where it used to be a problem.
Yarrrrrrp@reddit
Just change the water pumps at 70k miles.
GuyMcTest@reddit
Fords 2.3 ecoboost is pretty good
leftlanespawncamper@reddit
Depends on the version. The Focus RS motors had a pretty gnarly headgasket issue, but I think the Ranger/Bronco/Mustang versions are holding up well.
DonDraper1134@reddit
The 2.3 NA is bulletproof. Just look at all the rangers on the road still. Good way to tell is what kills the car? Body rusts out, powertrain is good. Think of Toyota Tacoma with the 3400, body died every time before motor.
leftlanespawncamper@reddit
I'm not sure why you're bringing up that engine; about the only thing the Ecoboost 2.3 and the older Mazda NA 2.3 have in common is the block.
Captain_Gnardog@reddit
The head gasket issue got fixed with recalls. Apparently the factor was putting head gaskets on made for the wrong/weaker motor.
hatsune_aru@reddit
the factory manager ordered the mustang 2.3 EB head gasket and used that on the FORS 2.3 EB build, that's what happened
BlueKnight44@reddit
If so, then that is an issue with R&D specifying that that part is optional on that motor. That or Ford quality and part systems are stuck in the 80s.
I have worked for multiple OEM's and none of thier systems would allow a part to be ordered for the wrong motor. Line workers could potentially grab from the wrong bin, but that is a problem you can and should pokeyoke...
Zrepsilon@reddit
Do you always just repeat headlines you’ve read 5 years ago without doing any research?
HOONIGAN-@reddit
The headgasket issue in the RS was a manufacturing error on a specific batch of engines that had the wrong headgasket installed. It wasn't an engine design flaw.
6carecrow@reddit
Even the mustang versions aren’t holding up great. They might have revised them later on, but if you check out the ecoboost subreddit, almost every couple hours there’s someone posting about a blown headgasket or coolant in the engine
ahorrribledrummer@reddit
Yea the 2.0t is known to be very reliable. The focus st community beats the hell out of them with mods and they need basically nothing internally until 400+HP to maintain reliability. Really great engines. Dailied mine for years with a tune and bolt ons, in a harsh climate. Most reliable car I've owned.
AnAquaticPony@reddit
70k hard miles on my 16 Mustang and almost 70k pretty hard miles on my 19 Ranger. Bulletproof so far, and no bad luck with the 10 spd people talk so much about. I know that’s not a lot of miles but my Mustang was so good to me I bought the same engine in my Ranger
Conscious_Candle2598@reddit
The only downfall to that motor is a god-awful 10-speed that for decide the bolt to it.
GuyMcTest@reddit
Good thing there are options with a 6 speed manual
Conscious_Candle2598@reddit
I would kill for a Manual 2.3 Ranger in America.
GuyMcTest@reddit
Me too. But for now I’m trying to settle for a 2.3 mustang 6 speed
leftlanespawncamper@reddit
What makes you say the 10-speed is god-awful? I'm not really a fan of automatics in general, but everything I've heard is that the 10-speed is fantastic and a significant improvement over the prior auto.
Conscious_Candle2598@reddit
They're great transmissions until they're not.
problems with the adaptive tuning to the CDF drum.
There is currently a huge bunch of lawsuits going on over it.
https://lemoncarlawyer.com/ford-transmission-troubles-persist-2023-litigation-update/
AyrtonSennaz@reddit
From what I’m seeing, the Subaru 2.4 seems fairly solid
AndroidUser37@reddit
The 1.9 TDI, engine code ALH, will run and run and run. You can hit 300k miles easily without breaking a sweat. You can hit 40 MPG on the highway. You can boost it up to over 250 HP on stock internals without a significant loss in reliability.
pnwbg@reddit
My 350k mile ALH would consistently do 700miles to a tank. Eventually the steering rack gave out and it was more expensive to fix than to sell and buy something else
Diligent_Bit3336@reddit
Definitely not the VW EA888 from the mk6. Had carbon buildup on intake valves TWICE (after cleaning it off with media blaster the first time) causing misfires. Plastic housing on water pump cracked open suddenly and dumped all my coolant onto the road at once, leaving me stranded and waiting for a tow. Timing chain was stretched beyond spec AND the chain tensioner broke. This was all within less than 80K miles. That engine is a complete TURD.
MNAAAAA@reddit
They've solved this issue for the EA888 since like 2015; the version in yours is on the edge of OP's criteria
FrogsFloatToo@reddit
B48 and EA888
iatekane@reddit
Agreed.
Those EA888 engines are in so many cars and in such huge numbers and they just work.
Sir_Sir_ExcuseMe_Sir@reddit
Don't they have timing chain or oil pump issues? At least in older iterations? I say this as somebody who is interested in getting an EA888 and tuning it.
Xrayruester@reddit
You want an EA888 gen 3, mk7-8. The older versions have some issues with timing chain tensioners. The gen 3 does not.
The biggest issue seems to be the water pump, they will absolutely fail. Fortunately they don't fail catastrophically and usually you know before it happens. That's also covered for 80k miles currently. I have a mk7 and got the pump replaced under warranty even though I am tuned and turbo swapped. Ymmv.
MNAAAAA@reddit
mk8 has gen 4; they've pretty much solved the water pump issues
6786_007@reddit
yet but partially depending on your mileage or age:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10214802-0001.pdf
iatekane@reddit
The evo 3 and the new evo 4 have been the most solid ones but yes the earlier ones from before the evo 3 (so about 19 years ago, iirc) had issues.
Those motors do really tune extremely well though and would be a good choice for that purpose
akdetroit@reddit
As long as we don't discuss the EA888.2 ... :D
Time_Pool8425@reddit
270k on my 2008 Saab ecotech. Definitely a contender
hatsune_aru@reddit
ford 2.0 ecoboost
Blankok93@reddit
What about the 1.6 in the fiesta ST’s ?
hatsune_aru@reddit
also great
Sir_Sir_ExcuseMe_Sir@reddit
They're pretty damn solid. There's nothing to really watch for in my Focus ST besides not doing any low-speed pre-ignition, and maybe carbon build-up, but no more than any other turbo four.
Zrepsilon@reddit
We aren’t bias ;)
-Juuzousuzuya-@reddit
1.9 tdi guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!💯💯💯
FarMarionberry6825@reddit
Mits 4G63, Toyota 3SGTE, Honda K20 and Subaru 1990’s EJ20 turbo are my top picks 4 cylinder wise.
m3t1t1@reddit
K20c1 and 4g63. Any issues with them are due to mods.
oshaCaller@reddit
do mods cause crank walk? I don't know much about the 4g63, but I remember them having crank walk issues.
DuLeague361@reddit
it was an issues for 2 years. 95-96. theories range from bad batch of cranks to the new style of piston squirter (that was revised late 97 and the issues went away). I had a 95 with 165k miles so it was a hit or a miss
m3t1t1@reddit
I think the older ones did but the newer ones did not.
SonGT38@reddit
If u count turbo diesel, I would say Toyota's KD and GD diesel engines in the hilux.
Slideways@reddit
4BT
Tuxedo_Muffin@reddit
For sure! Probably quite a few high-mile box trucks out there with original engines. 100-ish horsepower is kind of a let down though.
BodyDropt_not_hopt@reddit
Isn't the 4BT literally ⅔ of a 6BT or "12 valve
capncanuck1@reddit
With 1/4th the power and 3/4s of the fuel consumption.
DrillTheThirdHole@reddit
all the power of a motorcycle with the mpg of a semi truck
RedditIsAwful6@reddit
"I know we are still early in the turbo era..."
Get the fuck out of here, dog.
darkhelmet1121@reddit
Cummins 4bt
EmergencyRace7158@reddit
Honda turbo 4 maybe or the Toyota one in the Tacoma.
QLDZDR@reddit
I wouldn't think we were early in the turbo era because we are nearing the end of the I.C.E. age
Sweaty-Somewhere-191@reddit
bit older but 3sgte
OkSheepherder8827@reddit
Rdx the one with the k23 came with a turbo ive seen one with 400k
Napalm3n3ma@reddit
K201
03zx3@reddit
Newer Fords seem to be okay and that little 1.4 some Chevys have seems alright aside from the plastic water pump housing cracking.
Ianm9@reddit
The LNF turbo 4 engine that was in the 2008-2010 Cobalt SS was pretty reliable. 260hp stock but could put out 300-400hp with some mods on stock internals.
1orange2oranges@reddit
OM617A… IYKYK
yourlocalFSDO@reddit
OM617 is a 5 cylinder
1orange2oranges@reddit
Absolutely correct… with the power of a four! Lol
jtbis@reddit
If you are only counting gasoline, probably the VW EA888. There are so many 100k+ Jettas, Passats, Tiguan etc. running around poorly maintained on 87 octane with no issues.
If modern diesels count, probably the Toyota 2GD found in current Hilux, Fortuner and other non-USDM truck/SUV applications.
jparadis87@reddit
The older EA888 has tons of issues.
XxJabba666xX@reddit
I’m absolutely living for all the people chanting “EA888 Is the goat and we will never have a better engine”
Conscious-Lobster60@reddit
OM617 (5 cylinder).
Hamb_rglar@reddit
GM 2.0 Ecotec. Had a Saab 93 w/ 200,000 miles on a turbo 2.0. My Regal GS has the same 2.0 boosted out of its mind for 270hp 300lbs torque and I've put 170,000 miles on it reaching redline on the daily for the last 6 years. The engines are good for modding as far as I understand because they are durable.
AwesomeBantha@reddit
Japanese diesel truck engines, I’ve heard good things about the Toyota 13B-T and the Isuzu 4BD1-T
llamacohort@reddit
Toyota's L-Family of turbo diesel 4 cylinders have been around since the 1970s and is still being used in vehicles today. I don't think you can get anything in the US with the diesel, so that might be out of the question.
If you are looking for longevity out of a daily driver, the Prius is usually at the top of the list of cars with the most miles. I know hybrids sound like more to fix, but they have pretty low maintenance and have pretty low stress on the components. EVs wear hardest on the highway and engines wear hardest in acceleration from a stop. Hybrids fix both of those issues.
AwesomeBantha@reddit
and yet the 2L-T and 2L-TE in the Bundera and LJ7x Prado are probably the (second) least desirable Land Cruiser engines of all time
yourlocalFSDO@reddit
2.0/2.3 Ecoboost are massively underrated
Oo__II__oO@reddit
2.8L Duramax
Significant_Tax_3427@reddit
Saab B235. Mine made it to 200k just fine even with a lot of maintenance needing done that hadn’t happened, still on its original turbo.
Oo__II__oO@reddit
Saab engines are criminally underrated. Those HOT engines could really take a lot of abuse, as well as generate cheap power
suckmywake175@reddit
Dodge Turbo II…cheap to fix too
penguinchem13@reddit
2.0 ecoboost, great in the ST
ichigoismyhomie@reddit
EA888 from Volkswagen AG. that thing has been on many models/brands within their group and it's pretty stout block, especially with the later iteration.
I love how responsive it is in my previous car (audi A4 avant) and the low end torque was adequate for the weight.
FA20/FA24 from later (2015+) subaru are also pretty reliable imo. They pretty much don't have the notorious head gasket issue that plagued EJ blocks from previous iteration. The twin scroll turbo is adequate for low rpm stuff but they do run out of breath on higher RPM.
Both of these turboed-4 bangers have decent amount of aftermarket supports for power mods and the car makers putting them in many models for the last 10+ years
cptpb9@reddit
EA888 is one of the worst for carbon buildup and consuming oil, I had one and it’s not uncommon to have many issues at low mileage
ichigoismyhomie@reddit
Not sure what gen was your EA888 with issues, but mine was 3rd gen that reached 100k before I sold the car because I bought a newer vehicle and I had no issue with it. No oil consumption issue. Carbon buildup was not excessive given the inherent design of direct injected engine.
Maybe it's your bad luck but I knew many people on later generation of EA888 block that are hitting 100k+ miles.
Xrayruester@reddit
The gen 1/2 out of the mk6 GTI is a turd. The newer engine out of the mk7 has been significantly improved. No tensioner issues and oil consumption seems to mostly be gone. Carbon buildup happens, but that's more a by-product of direct injection and turbo combo.
I just hit 80k miles with my mk7 and no valve cleaning needed. My dad had two cleanings on his '10 CC by the time it hit 60k miles.
stillpiercer_@reddit
The Gen3 and Gen4 are orders of magnitude better than the older engines. Carbon buildup is pretty prevalent on any DI motor.
Embarrassed-Tax5618@reddit
8AR FTS, maybe not as legendary as 1.9TDI in reliability or not as performance oriented as B48, EA888, or K20, it is pretty reliable so far.
JALbert@reddit
I have driven turbo cars only (Volvos and now Merc) for 20+ years and never had an engine/turbo issue.
TaintedSupplements@reddit
Y’all don’t want to hear this but it’s the 2.3L ecoboost
MrFoolinaround@reddit
4G63. So good it was in the Evo for 9 generations before the 4B11 went into the X.
Any problems on the stateside DSM triplets was because of mods
PlsHalp420@reddit
I have a 1997 dsm.
The engine is the only reliable part of the car.
MrFoolinaround@reddit
I had a 90 back in the early 00s, one of those I wish I never sold.
PlsHalp420@reddit
Frankly, it's a fun toy, but not the best car around.
MakersMarksTheSpot@reddit
I remember people freaking out about crank walk back in the day. Wasn’t that possible on even stock examples?
MrFoolinaround@reddit
It was mostly a 7 bolt issue in the 2G but I was not common and mostly due to poor assembly during modification to the bottom end; usually dirt.
csimonson@reddit
Or a very heavy pressure plate.
MrFoolinaround@reddit
That too. Great write up on DSMTuners
europeanperson@reddit
4B11T in evo x is plenty reliable too and fits OP timeframe of a more “modern” engine.
mxadema@reddit
My LS buggy, after I blow haft of it
Silver-Bluebird4192@reddit
Any answer other than honda B or K is just wrong I'm sorry. There's no other 4cyl engines other than B's or K's that can hold 1,000whp as cheaply as they can. Not 4g not no beamer, nothing
Montreal4life@reddit
EA888
I'd like to think my new wrx engine ain't bad
real_unique_username@reddit
I wouldn’t say “we’re still early into the turbo era” when manufacturers like VW have been putting turbo motors in everything from economy cars to sports cars for over 20 years now.
I’d say for modern turbo engines you can’t beat the ea888 gen 3, VW has put that motor in pretty much everything they make for good reason.
kaputtmach@reddit
Most reliable turbo engines of all time: VAG 1.9 TDI and 1.8T. Almost at 25 years each.
thecanadiandriver101@reddit
Engine wise I am biased, so I gotta say the turbo-4 from the FK8/FL5 Civic Type R. Maintenance is literally oil changes until 100k, and then inspect valve clearance and water pump IIRC.
fukimretardet@reddit
The turbo will almost always go before the engine, especially at 200k miles.
VW has been doing it forever.
Your best bet will be getting something like a golf or Jetta TDI. They're absolute tanks.
real_unique_username@reddit
Can confirm, just replaced the turbo on my 1.8t. Can’t complain too much though, it gave up after 21 years and 165k miles.
VW has been doing turbos for a looong time now, the issues on their turbo motors are almost never related to the turbo itself.
LimitedReach@reddit
K20 from Honda, it has proven reliable in the last generation Accord, current RDX/TLX, Type R and Type S.
Old_Letterhead6471@reddit
The discussion is about reliable turbo motors
manesag@reddit
10th Gen accord and all the other cars had the same 2.0T engine
Dinkerdoo@reddit
10th gen has either the K20C4 2.0T (excellent), or the L15B 1.5T (crap).
dacargo@reddit
The new type r and type S are turbo motors, just another version of the k20
ActuallyNotRetarded@reddit
As someone coming from an EJ for 7 years, I'm so glad to not see it posted anywhere here.
FrigOffRicky16@reddit
4b11T has been rock solid for me
SwissMargiela@reddit
3rd and 4th gen EA888 are goat. Some accessories go out here and there, but the short block is reliable as heck under boost.
FewRefrigerator3295@reddit
Ea888 gen 3
Upbeat_Release3822@reddit
I know the early Mazda 2.5T had oil consumption issues….have those since been solved?
Old_Letterhead6471@reddit
Yeah they had a small batch with the issue, was resolved in 2021. Anecdotal but I took delivery of my 2019 in November 2019 and have had precisely zero issues with the car.
abgerutsch@reddit
As a German I have to add the legendary 1.9TDI to the Diskussion.
9009RPM@reddit
K20C1
Shmokesshweed@reddit
The 2nd gen 2 liter EcoBoom seems to be more than decent so far.
damstr@reddit
4G63. Having owned several Evo's and witnessed my friends 2003 Evo hit 240k on the stock engine and trans these engines are rock solid if you aren't dumb. The 4B11's seem very stout too.
_TheFudger_@reddit
Most diesels or a k series
leftlanespawncamper@reddit
Toyota 3S-GTE would be my goto for a gas motor.