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1.6 CRDi vs 2.5 dCi YD25: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.5 dCi YD25 carries less risk than the 1.6 CRDi: 59/100 versus 70/100 (both high risk). The 1.6 CRDi has 4 documented serious faults, the main one being «MHSG belt tensioner and crankshaft pulley failure (48V mild hybrid)»; the 2.5 dCi YD25 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain wear and failure».

Risk index

1.6 CRDi

70

High risk · 4 serious faults

Risk index

2.5 dCi YD25

59

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

16 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.6 CRDi reliable?

The U2 D4FB (2009-2018) is a generally robust diesel if well maintained, with known turbo failures in the early units and timing chain problems from 120,000-150,000 km. Its successor, the Smartstream (U3 D4FE, from 2018), has a good reputation, except in the 48V mild hybrid version, which has a belt tensioner and crankshaft pulley fault that can destroy the engine.[1][2][3]

See the 6 of the 1.6 CRDi faults

Is the 2.5 dCi YD25 reliable?

The 2.5 dCi YD25 in the Navara D40 and Pathfinder R51 is tough, but it has one documented weak point: the lower timing chain, whose failure can destroy the engine. Check its condition, as well as the EGR and the turbo.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the 2.5 dCi YD25 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 CRDi and 2.5 dCi YD25
1.6 CRDi2.5 dCi YD25
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,582 cm³2,488 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power90–136 hp144–190 hp
Productionsince 2009[1][7][8][9]2005–2015[4][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)70High risk59High risk
Documented faults64
Of high or critical severity43
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: MHSG belt tensioner and crankshaft pulley failure (48V mild hybrid)
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch
  3. High severity: Premature variable-geometry turbo (VGT) failure
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain wear and failure
  2. High severity: Turbocharger failure
  3. Medium severity: EGR valve clogged with carbon
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,800Particulate filter (DPF) blocked in urban usePublished figure[12]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • Smartstream 1.6 CRDi U3 (D4FE, 115-136 hp, without mild hybrid, from 2018)[2][13]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 CRDi U2 (D4FB, 90-136 hp, sold in Spain from 2010 to ~2018)[1][14][15]
  • Smartstream 1.6 CRDi 48V mild hybrid (D4FE MHEV, 136 hp, from ~2019)[3][16]
  • 2.5 dCi 144 and 174 hp (YD25DDTi, 2005-2010)[4][5]
  • 2.5 dCi 190 hp (YD25DDTi, 2010-2015)[4][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

1.6 CRDi

See the 16 models with the 1.6 CRDi

2.5 dCi YD25

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 CRDi

With the 2.5 dCi YD25

Compare other engines

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Sources

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

  1. Motor Kia y Hyundai 1.6 CRDI (D4FB): ficha tecnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Kia Ceed III: Bekannte Probleme & RückrufeGebrauchtwagenberater · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  3. Kia / Hyundai 1.6 CRDi MHEV Engine FailuresDOHC (especialista en reconstrucción de motores) · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  4. Tips for buying a second-hand pickup: Nissan NavaraFarmers Weekly Interactive · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026
  5. YD25 Engine Guide: Specs, Reliability, Problems & Buying TipsAutopartswd · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026
  6. Nissan Navara ProblemeCarwiki.de · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  7. Hyundai U engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  8. Hyundai Smartstream engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Hyundai i30 Kombi 1.6 CRDi 48V-Mildhybrid Trend (10/20-01/22): Technische Daten, Bilder, PreiseADAC · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  10. Nissan YD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  11. Nissan NavaraWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  12. Kia Ceed 1.6 Crdi Problemas | Fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalRenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Kia Ceed im TÜV-Check 2026: Schwachstellen, Mängel und ProblemeAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  14. Kia and Hyundai 1.6 CRDI (D4FB) engineEngineDNA · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  15. Best Hyundai Kia 1.6 CRDI Mods & Upgrades Guide to D4FB TuningTorqueCars · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  16. KIA SPORTAGE 2023 - vehicle recallsGOV.UK (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) · Official body · consulted 26 September 2026