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1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC vs 2.3 dCi (M9T): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 dCi (M9T) carries less risk than the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC: 32/100 (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 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo».

Risk index

1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

54

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

2.3 dCi (M9T)

32

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

12 sourcesHow 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 2.3 dCi (M9T) reliable?

The 2.3 dCi M9T is a van diesel with good durability if maintenance is kept up. The weak points cited are the EGR and the turbo, the injectors, and the particulate filter in urban use; the sources are mostly opinion websites.[5][6]

See the 5 of the 2.3 dCi (M9T) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC and 2.3 dCi (M9T)
1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC2.3 dCi (M9T)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement—2,300 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power120–180 hp100–180 hp
Production2008–2020[1][7][8]since 2010[5][6][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)54High risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Turbocharger failure
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain wear or breakage at high mileage
  3. Critical severity: Diesel injector wear or failure
  1. High severity: Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo
  2. Medium severity: Faulty injectors on the 2.3 dCi
  3. Medium severity: Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged in urban use
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €2,300Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turboPublished figure[5][10]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.2 i-DTEC 150 (N22B1/B3/B4, from 2008)[3][4][8]
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[6]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[6]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 i-DTEC 120 (N16A1, single turbo, from 2013)[2][11]
  • 1.6 i-DTEC 160 (N16A4, twin turbo, CR-V)[3]
  • 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S (N22B2, from 2010)[1]
  • 2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)[6]
  • 2.3 dCi in the Navara D23 (NP300)[12]
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 / 2.2 i-DTEC

2.3 dCi (M9T)

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

With the 2.3 dCi (M9T)

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. Honda N engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2012-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2007-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  7. Honda HR-VWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Avis et fiabilité Honda Accord (2008-2015)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  10. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2017-2022)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language