1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC vs 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 carries less risk than the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC: 46/100 (moderate risk) versus 54/100 (high risk). The 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger failure»; the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «3.0 dCi V6 overheating and expansion tank failures».

Risk index

1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

Reviewed on 30 October 202613 sources How we work

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.^[1][2][3][4]

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

Is the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 reliable?

Renault's big 2000s diesels, the 2.2 dCi (G9T) and the 3.0 V6 dCi (P9X), have a poor reputation among owners: big-end bearing failures are cited on the 2.2 and overheating on the V6. The sources are mainly forums and the press that reports them, with no official statistics.^[5][6][7]

See the 3 of the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC and 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6
Item	1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC	2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	—	2,188 cm³
Timing	Chain	Timing belt (dry)
Power	120–180 hp	115–180 hp
Production	2008–2020^[1][8][9]	2001–2009^[10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	54High risk	46Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	3
Of high or critical severity	3	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	High severity: Turbocharger failure Critical severity: Timing chain wear or breakage at high mileage Critical severity: Diesel injector wear or failure	Critical severity: 3.0 dCi V6 overheating and expansion tank failures Critical severity: Big-end bearing failure in the 2.2 dCi (G9T) Medium severity: Blocked EGR valve and turbo and injector faults on the 2.2 dCi (G9T)
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	2.2 i-DTEC 150 (N22B1/B3/B4, from 2008)^[3][4][9]	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.6 i-DTEC 120 (N16A1, single turbo, from 2013)^[2][12] 1.6 i-DTEC 160 (N16A4, twin turbo, CR-V)^[3] 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S (N22B2, from 2010)^[1]	2.2 dCi 115-150 (G9T)^[6][7] 3.0 dCi V6 180 (P9X)^[5][13]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

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 / 2.2 i-DTEC

2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

With the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

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.

Honda N engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2012-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2007-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Renault Espace et Vel Satis : le 3.0 V6 dCi surchauffeL'argus · Motoring press · published 22 June 2010 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Laguna II : remplacement préventif coussinet de bielle 2.2 dCiPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Avantime : casse moteur 2.2 dCiPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Honda HR-VWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Avis et fiabilité Honda Accord (2008-2015)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Renault G-Type engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Renault Vel SatisWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2017-2022)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Vel Satis I : ma Vel Satis 3.0 dCi Initiale a des problèmesPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French