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Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi 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 Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi: 32/100 versus 43/100 (both 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 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo».

Risk index

Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

43

Moderate risk · 2 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

13 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 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 Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi and 2.3 dCi (M9T)
Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi2.3 dCi (M9T)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement—2,300 cm³
TimingGearsChain
Power117–177 hp100–180 hp
Productionsince 2012[4][7][8][9]since 2010[5][6][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults35
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh 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. 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][11]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.9 Ddi 163 hp (RZ4E, European D-Max from 2017)[1][4]
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[6]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[6]
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][12]
  • 2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)[6]
  • 2.3 dCi in the Navara D23 (NP300)[13]
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

2.3 dCi (M9T)

Other comparisons

With the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

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. 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. 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. Isuzu D-MaxWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Isuzu D-MAX 2. Generation (2012-2017): Modelle, Technische DatenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  9. Isuzu D-MAX 2. Generation, 1. Facelift (2017-2020): Modelle, Technische DatenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  10. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  11. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  12. Isuzu D-Max ProblemsCarsGuide · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  13. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language