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MotorFiable

1.7 CDTI vs D4/D5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.7 CDTI carries less risk than the D4/D5: 36/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The 1.7 CDTI has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear»; 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

1.7 CDTI

36

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

D4/D5

64

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

16 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.7 CDTI reliable?

The 1.7 CDTI (Isuzu, 2003-2015) is a simple, widely used diesel, but it has built up accounts of soot-fouled EGR valves and injectors, a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) with oil dilution, wear of the dual-mass flywheel and clutch, and of the Hitachi-brand alternator; it also requires the timing belt to be changed every 150,000 km or 6 years to avoid a serious failure.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 1.7 CDTI 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.[8][9][10][11]

See the 6 of the D4/D5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.7 CDTI and D4/D5
1.7 CDTID4/D5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,686 cm³—
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power100–130 hp120–235 hp
Production2003–2015[1][12][13]2001–2024[8][9][14]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)36Moderate risk64High risk
Documented faults56
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear
  2. High severity: Clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution
  3. Critical severity: Timing belt: risk of serious failure if not changed on time
  1. Critical severity: Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)
  2. High severity: High oil consumption from 90,000-150,000 km that harms the turbo (VEA)
  3. Medium severity: Clogged EGR valve or EGR cooler leaking into the intake
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.7 CDTI 100-101 hp (Z17DTH, 2003-2007)[6][7]
  • 1.7 CDTI 110 hp (Z17DTJ/A17DTJ/A17DTC/A17DTE, 2007-2014)[6][7]
  • 1.7 CDTI 125 hp (Z17DTR/A17DTR, 2006-2013)[2][3]
  • 1.7 CDTI 130 hp (A17DTS, 2010-2015)[6][7]
  • 2.4/2.0 D3/D4/D5 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016)[10][15]
  • 2.0 D2/D3/D4/D5 VEA 4-cylinder (D4204T, 2013-2024)[10][11][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

1.7 CDTI

See the 9 models with the 1.7 CDTI

D4/D5

See the 14 models with the D4/D5

Other comparisons

With the 1.7 CDTI

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.

  1. Circle L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Essai complet Opel Astra (H) : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Essai complet Opel Zafira 2 : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Essai complet Opel Meriva : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Opel Astra H (A04): Probleme & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Opel Meriva A: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Opel Meriva B: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Volvo Engine ArchitectureWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Volvo D5: 185 CV para el S60, V70, XC70 y XC90Autopista.es · Motoring press · published July 2005 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo V60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Opel Corsa DWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  13. Opel MerivaWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  14. Volvo XC90Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2017-)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French