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2.0 CDTI 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 2.0 CDTI: 32/100 versus 38/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.0 CDTI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger wear or 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

2.0 CDTI

38

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 2.0 CDTI reliable?

Unlike the 1.3 and 1.6 CDTI of the same era, the Opel/Vauxhall 2.0 CDTI (2008-2019, 110-210 hp with BiTurbo variants) is an engine with a timing belt rather than a chain. It builds up soot in the injectors and EGR valve, clogs its DPF on short journeys, has a recorded faulty turbo and one engine failure, and its models were among those investigated by Germany's KBA and the Frankfurt public prosecutor over a possible switching-off of the emissions treatment.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

See the 6 of the 2.0 CDTI 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.[7][8]

See the 5 of the 2.3 dCi (M9T) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 CDTI and 2.3 dCi (M9T)
2.0 CDTI2.3 dCi (M9T)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,956 cm³2,300 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power110–210 hp100–180 hp
Production2008–2019[1][9]since 2010[7][8][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)38Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults65
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
  2. Medium severity: Soot build-up in the injectors and EGR valve
  3. Medium severity: Clogged particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution on short journeys
  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[7][11]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[8]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[8]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.0 CDTI 110-131 hp (A20DTH/A20DTJ, 2008-2015)[2][12]
  • 2.0 CDTI 160-170 hp (A20DTH/A20DTJ/B20DTH, 2008-2019)[3][4]
  • 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI 195 hp (A20DTR, 2011-2015)[2]
  • 2.0 CDTI BiTurbo 210 hp 4x4 (Insignia B, 2017-2022)[9]
  • 2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)[8]
  • 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

2.0 CDTI

2.3 dCi (M9T)

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 CDTI

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. Opel Insignia AWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Opel Astra (H, J, K): Technische Daten, Abmessungen, AnhängelastGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Fiabilité Opel Insignia - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité Opel Insignia Grand Sport - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Opel está de nuevo en el punto de mira por las emisiones con 60.000 coches afectadosMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 16 July 2018 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. La Fiscalía alemana registra las instalaciones de Opel en el marco de una investigación sobre emisionesMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 15 October 2018 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  9. Opel InsigniaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  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. Opel Insignia A – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  13. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language