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2.3 dCi (M9T) vs 1.2 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 dCi (M9T) carries less risk than the 1.2 TDI: 32/100 versus 45/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo»; the 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

2.3 dCi (M9T)

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.2 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

11 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 1.2 TDI reliable?

A three-cylinder diesel with a single homologated output (75 hp) that Volkswagen fitted to the low-consumption versions of its smallest models between 2009 and 2014. It belongs to the EA189 family and was added to the list of engines in the emissions scandal a few days later. Its timing belt also drives the water pump and the high-pressure pump, so do not put off replacing it; also keep an eye on the turbo, the EGR and the particulate filter.[3][4][5][6]

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.3 dCi (M9T) and 1.2 TDI
2.3 dCi (M9T)1.2 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,300 cm³1,199 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power100–180 hp75 hp
Productionsince 2010[1][2][7]2009–2014[5][6]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityHigh 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. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update
  2. High severity: Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump
  3. High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
Most expensive documented repairup to €2,300Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turboPublished figure[1][8]up to €2,000Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[9]
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]
  • 1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)[3][11]
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)

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the 2.3 dCi (M9T)

With the 1.2 TDI

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 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. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  9. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language
  11. Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra la correa de distribuciónMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish