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Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi vs 1.5 D (TUD5): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.5 D (TUD5) carries less risk than the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi: 19/100 (low risk) versus 43/100 (moderate risk). The Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken teeth on the camshaft gear (2017 campaign)»; the 1.5 D (TUD5) has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

43

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

1.5 D (TUD5)

19

Low risk · 0 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 Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi reliable?

These are the diesels of the Isuzu D-Max: the 2.5 twin-turbo (4JK1) and the 1.9 Ddi (RZ4E) of the European range, and the 2.5 and 3.0 of the Latin American Chevrolet D-Max. Auto Express speaks of enviable reliability; what is documented is diesel in the oil of the 2.5 on short journeys, soot in the EGR and a 2017 campaign for the camshaft gear.[1][2][3][4]

See the 3 of the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi faults

Is the 1.5 D (TUD5) reliable?

A small indirect-injection diesel, slow but simple, with a good reputation for durability once its early problems are behind it. Its documented weak point is the cylinder head gasket, with oil leaks that PSA corrected in stages between 1995 and 1998; other issues (high idle, pump leaks, glow plug connector) are occasional.[5][6][7]

See the 3 of the 1.5 D (TUD5) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi and 1.5 D (TUD5)
Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi1.5 D (TUD5)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement——
TimingGearsTiming belt (dry)
Power117–177 hp50–58 hp
Productionsince 2012[4][8][9][10]1988–2004[11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk19Low risk
Documented faults33
Of high or critical severity20
Worst severityCritical severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Broken teeth on the camshaft gear (2017 campaign)
  2. High severity: Diesel in the oil and clogged particulate filter on short journeys
  3. Medium severity: EGR valve blocked by soot
  1. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the cylinder head gasket and crankshaft seal
  2. Medium severity: Injection pump: high idle and leaks
  3. Low severity: Glow plug faults: corroded connector and glow plugs
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.9 Ddi 163 hp (RZ4E, European D-Max from 2017)[1][4]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.5 TD twin-turbo 163 hp (4JK1, European D-Max 2012-2017)[2][4]
  • 2.5 and 3.0 TD (4JK1 and 4JJ1, Latin American Chevrolet D-Max 2012-2020)[3][14]
  • 1.4 D 50 hp (TUD3Y, 1993-1994 on the 106)[5][7]
  • 1.5 D 54-58 hp (TUD5: VJZ, VJY and VJX, 1994-2003)[5][15][16]
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

Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

1.5 D (TUD5)

Other comparisons

With the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

With the 1.5 D (TUD5)

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. Isuzu D-Max reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 16 October 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026
  2. Tips for buying a second-hand pickup: Isuzu D-MaxFarmers Weekly · Motoring press · published 17 December 2020 · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Isuzu MU-X & D-Max common problems and solutionsUnsealed 4X4 · Motoring press · published 12 June 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Isuzu D-Max: Camshaft Gear Teeth May Break (R/2017/194)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · published 10 July 2017 · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. Peugeot 106: fiche fiabilitéCaradisiac · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  6. Citroën Saxo: fiche fiabilitéCaradisiac · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  7. Quelle citadine d'occasion choisir ?L'argus · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  8. Isuzu D-MaxWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Isuzu D-MAX 2. Generation (2012-2017): Modelle, Technische DatenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  10. Isuzu D-MAX 2. Generation, 1. Facelift (2017-2020): Modelle, Technische DatenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  11. PSA TUD engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  12. Peugeot 106Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  13. Peugeot 106 1.5 D 58 ch: fiabilité du moteurFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  14. Isuzu D-Max ProblemsCarsGuide · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  15. Fiabilité Peugeot 106: pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité Citroën Saxo: pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French