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2.3 dCi (M9T) vs D4/D5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 dCi (M9T) carries less risk than the D4/D5: 32/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo»; 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

2.3 dCi (M9T)

32

Moderate risk · 2 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

12 sourcesHow we work

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.[1][2]

See the 5 of the 2.3 dCi (M9T) 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.[3][4][5][6]

See the 6 of the D4/D5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.3 dCi (M9T) and D4/D5
2.3 dCi (M9T)D4/D5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,300 cm³—
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power100–180 hp120–235 hp
Productionsince 2010[1][2][7]2001–2024[3][4][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk64High risk
Documented faults56
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  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
  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 repairup to €2,300Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turboPublished figure[1][9]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[2]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[2]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)[2]
  • 2.3 dCi in the Navara D23 (NP300)[10]
  • 2.4/2.0 D3/D4/D5 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016)[5][11]
  • 2.0 D2/D3/D4/D5 VEA 4-cylinder (D4204T, 2013-2024)[5][6][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

2.3 dCi (M9T)

D4/D5

See the 14 models with the D4/D5

Other comparisons

With the 2.3 dCi (M9T)

With the D4/D5

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  3. Volvo Engine ArchitectureWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Volvo D5: 185 CV para el S60, V70, XC70 y XC90Autopista.es · Motoring press · published July 2005 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo V60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. Volvo XC90Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  10. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language
  11. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo XC60 (2017-)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French