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1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD vs D4/D5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD carries less risk than the D4/D5: 48/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)»; the D4/D5 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)».

Risk index

1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD

48

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

D4/D5

64

High risk · 2 serious faults

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

17 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD reliable?

The 1.9 JTD/Multijet (8v and 16v) and the five-cylinder 2.4 JTD were the world's first common rail diesels and have a reputation for robust, long-lived mechanicals. Before buying, check the known faults: the intake manifold flaps and the EGR valve fail or clog with urban use, the turbo and dual-mass flywheel wear with mileage, and the particulate filter on versions that have one clogs if there are not enough long journeys.[1][2][3][4]

See the 6 of the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD faults

Is the D4/D5 reliable?

The Volvo D5/D4 covers two different engines: the classic 5-cylinder (2001-2016, D5244T/D5204) and the 4-cylinder VEA (D4204T, from 2013). On the former, several owners document the auxiliary belt breaking and taking the timing belt with it, destroying the engine; on the VEA the most common problems are the EGR, the DPF and oil consumption that can damage the turbo from 90,000-150,000 km. Neither is an engine to buy without checking its service history.[5][6][7][8]

See the 6 of the D4/D5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD and D4/D5
1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTDD4/D5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement——
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power78–210 hp120–235 hp
Production1997–2012[1][9][10]2001–2024[5][6][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)48Moderate risk64High risk
Documented faults66
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)
  2. High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
  3. Medium severity: EGR valve blocked by carbon
  1. Critical severity: Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)
  2. High severity: High oil consumption from 90,000-150,000 km that harms the turbo (VEA)
  3. Medium severity: Clogged EGR valve or EGR cooler leaking into the intake
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,900Dual-mass flywheel wear on manual gearbox versionsPublished figure[12]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.9 JTD/Multijet 8v (78-130 hp, 1997-2010)[2][13][14]
  • 1.9 JTD/Multijet 16v (140-190 hp, 2002-2010)[3][15]
  • 2.4 JTD/Multijet (136-210 hp, 1997-2010)[10][15]
  • 2.4/2.0 D3/D4/D5 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016)[7][16]
  • 2.0 D2/D3/D4/D5 VEA 4-cylinder (D4204T, 2013-2024)[7][8][17]
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

1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD

See the 16 models with the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD

D4/D5

See the 14 models with the D4/D5

Other comparisons

With the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD

With the D4/D5

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. Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Opel Vectra C (2002-2008) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Opel Zafira B (2005-2014) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Alfa Romeo GT: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Volvo Engine ArchitectureWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Volvo D5: 185 CV para el S60, V70, XC70 y XC90Autopista.es · Motoring press · published July 2005 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo V60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Saab 9-3Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Fiat CromaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Volvo XC90Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Opel Zafira 2 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Alfa Romeo 156 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Alfa Romeo 147 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Alfa Romeo 159 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  17. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2017-)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French