2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 vs D4/D5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 carries less risk than the D4/D5: 46/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high 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 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

2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

Moderate risk · 2 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 30 October 202613 sources How 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 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 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 and D4/D5
Item	2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6	D4/D5
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	2,188 cm³	—
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	115–180 hp	120–235 hp
Production	2001–2009^[8][9]	2001–2024^[4][5][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	46Moderate risk	64High risk
Documented faults	3	6
Of high or critical severity	2	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: 3.0 dCi V6 overheating and expansion tank failures Critical severity: Big-end bearing failure in the 2.2 dCi (G9T) Medium severity: Blocked EGR valve and turbo and injector faults on the 2.2 dCi (G9T)	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	2.2 dCi 115-150 (G9T)^[2][3] 3.0 dCi V6 180 (P9X)^[1][11]	2.4/2.0 D3/D4/D5 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016)^[6][12] 2.0 D2/D3/D4/D5 VEA 4-cylinder (D4204T, 2013-2024)^[6][7][13]
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

2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

D4/D5

See the 14 models with the D4/D5

Other comparisons

With the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

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.

Renault Espace et Vel Satis : le 3.0 V6 dCi surchauffeL'argus · Motoring press · published 22 June 2010 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Laguna II : remplacement préventif coussinet de bielle 2.2 dCiPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Avantime : casse moteur 2.2 dCiPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
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
Renault G-Type engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Renault Vel SatisWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Volvo XC90Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Vel Satis I : ma Vel Satis 3.0 dCi Initiale a des problèmesPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
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