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MotorFiable

1.9 D / dTi 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 1.9 D / dTi: 32/100 (moderate risk) versus 52/100 (high risk). The 1.9 D / dTi has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Damaged cylinder head and head gasket (naturally aspirated 1.9 D)»; the 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo».

Risk index

1.9 D / dTi

52

High risk · 3 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

15 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.9 D / dTi reliable?

Renault's 1.9 D, 1.9 TD and 1.9 dTi diesels (F8Q, F8Qt and F9Q with an injection pump) have a reputation for longevity, but owner reviews repeat three weak points: the injection pump and cylinder head gasket on the naturally aspirated 1.9 D, and the auxiliary belt, EGR and turbo on the dTi. The common-rail 1.9 dCi is a different engine.[1][2][3][4]

See the 7 of the 1.9 D / dTi 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.[5][6]

See the 5 of the 2.3 dCi (M9T) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.9 D / dTi and 2.3 dCi (M9T)
1.9 D / dTi2.3 dCi (M9T)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,870 cm³2,300 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power55–100 hp100–180 hp
Production1988–2006[1][7][8]since 2010[5][6][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)52High risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults75
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Damaged cylinder head and head gasket (naturally aspirated 1.9 D)
  2. Critical severity: Brake servo vacuum pump: oil suction and loss of assistance
  3. High severity: Auxiliary and timing belt: breakage that can destroy the engine
  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[5][10]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[6]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[6]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.9 D 55/65 hp (F8Q, naturally aspirated indirect injection, 1988-2006)[2][3][4][11]
  • 1.9 TD/dT 90-95 hp (F8Qt, turbo with indirect injection, 1991-2001)[1][4]
  • 1.9 dTi 80-100 hp (F9Q with mechanical pump, direct injection and turbo, 1997-2002)[4][11][12][13]
  • 2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)[6]
  • 2.3 dCi in the Navara D23 (NP300)[14]
  • 2.3 OM 699 in the Mercedes X-Class, 163 and 190 hp (2017-2020)[6][15]
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

1.9 D / dTi

See the 11 models with the 1.9 D / dTi

2.3 dCi (M9T)

Other comparisons

With the 1.9 D / dTi

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. Moteur F (Renault)Wikipédia (francés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  2. Renault Clio IIWikipédia (francés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité Renault Clio 2 : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité Renault Mégane 1 (1995-2002) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  5. Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Buying guide or workshop · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Buying guide or workshop · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  7. Renault F-Type engineWikipedia (inglés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Renault Clio IIWikipedia (alemán) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  9. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 5 October 2026
  10. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Buying guide or workshop · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité Renault Kangoo (1997-2007) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité Renault Scénic 1 (1996-2003) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  13. Fiabilité Renault Laguna 1 (1994-2001) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  14. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language
  15. Mercedes-Benz X-Klasse: motores OM 699 y OM 642, producción en BarcelonaWikipedia (de) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German