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2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 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 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6: 32/100 versus 46/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «3.0 dCi V6 overheating and expansion tank failures»; the 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo».

Risk index

2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

46

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

12 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 reliable?

Renault's big 2000s diesels, the 2.2 dCi (G9T) and the 3.0 V6 dCi (P9X), have a poor reputation among owners: big-end bearing failures are cited on the 2.2 and overheating on the V6. The sources are mainly forums and the press that reports them, with no official statistics.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 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.[4][5]

See the 5 of the 2.3 dCi (M9T) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 and 2.3 dCi (M9T)
2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V62.3 dCi (M9T)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,188 cm³2,300 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power115–180 hp100–180 hp
Production2001–2009[6][7]since 2010[4][5][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)46Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults35
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: 3.0 dCi V6 overheating and expansion tank failures
  2. Critical severity: Big-end bearing failure in the 2.2 dCi (G9T)
  3. Medium severity: Blocked EGR valve and turbo and injector faults on the 2.2 dCi (G9T)
  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[4][9]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[5]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)[5]
  • 2.3 dCi in the Navara D23 (NP300)[11]
  • 2.3 OM 699 in the Mercedes X-Class, 163 and 190 hp (2017-2020)[5][12]
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

2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

2.3 dCi (M9T)

Other comparisons

With the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

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. Renault Espace et Vel Satis : le 3.0 V6 dCi surchauffeL'argus · Motoring press · published 22 June 2010 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  2. Laguna II : remplacement préventif coussinet de bielle 2.2 dCiPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  3. Avantime : casse moteur 2.2 dCiPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  4. Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. Renault G-Type engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  7. Renault Vel SatisWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  8. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  9. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  10. Vel Satis I : ma Vel Satis 3.0 dCi Initiale a des problèmesPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  11. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language
  12. Mercedes-Benz X-Klasse: motores OM 699 y OM 642, producción en BarcelonaWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German