2.5 dCi YD25 vs D4/D5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.5 dCi YD25 carries less risk than the D4/D5: 59/100 versus 64/100 (both high risk). The 2.5 dCi YD25 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain wear and failure»; 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

2.5 dCi YD25

High risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

D4/D5

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

Reviewed on 5 October 202612 sources How we work

Is the 2.5 dCi YD25 reliable?

The 2.5 dCi YD25 in the Navara D40 and Pathfinder R51 is tough, but it has one documented weak point: the lower timing chain, whose failure can destroy the engine. Check its condition, as well as the EGR and the turbo.^[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the 2.5 dCi YD25 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.^[4][5][6][7]

See the 6 of the D4/D5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.5 dCi YD25 and D4/D5
Item	2.5 dCi YD25	D4/D5
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	2,488 cm³	—
Timing	Chain	Timing belt (dry)
Power	144–190 hp	120–235 hp
Production	2005–2015^[1][8][9]	2001–2024^[4][5][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	59High risk	64High risk
Documented faults	4	6
Of high or critical severity	3	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Timing chain wear and failure High severity: Turbocharger failure Medium severity: EGR valve clogged with carbon	Critical severity: Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder) High severity: High oil consumption from 90,000-150,000 km that harms the turbo (VEA) Medium severity: Clogged EGR valve or EGR cooler leaking into the intake
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	2.5 dCi 144 and 174 hp (YD25DDTi, 2005-2010)^[1][2] 2.5 dCi 190 hp (YD25DDTi, 2010-2015)^[1][2] 2.5 YD25DDTi 133 hp (Navara D22 / NP300, from 2001)^[1][2]	2.4/2.0 D3/D4/D5 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016)^[6][11] 2.0 D2/D3/D4/D5 VEA 4-cylinder (D4204T, 2013-2024)^[6][7][12]
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

2.5 dCi YD25

D4/D5

See the 14 models with the D4/D5

Other comparisons

With the 2.5 dCi YD25

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.

Tips for buying a second-hand pickup: Nissan NavaraFarmers Weekly Interactive · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026
YD25 Engine Guide: Specs, Reliability, Problems & Buying TipsAutopartswd · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026
Nissan Navara ProblemeCarwiki.de · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
Volvo Engine ArchitectureWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Volvo D5: 185 CV para el S60, V70, XC70 y XC90Autopista.es · Motoring press · published July 2005 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo V60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Nissan YD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Nissan NavaraWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Volvo XC90Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2017-)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French