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2.3 dCi (M9T) vs 1.4 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 dCi (M9T) carries less risk than the 1.4 TDI: 32/100 versus 38/100 (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 1.4 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump».

Risk index

2.3 dCi (M9T)

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.4 TDI

38

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

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 1.4 TDI reliable?

It depends on the generation. The unit-injector one (1999-2010) calls for watching the timing belt - which also drives the unit injector pumps - the water pump, the turbo and the EGR, with a DPF only on the last BlueMotion/Ecomotive versions. The later EA288 (2014-2019) is not singled out by dieselgate, which according to the sources consulted was limited to the EA189, but it shares the need to watch the belt, turbo, EGR and DPF.[3][4][5]

See the 4 of the 1.4 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.3 dCi (M9T) and 1.4 TDI
2.3 dCi (M9T)1.4 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,300 cm³1,422 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power100–180 hp69–90 hp
Productionsince 2010[1][2][6]1999–2019[4][5]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk38Moderate risk
Documented faults54
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. High severity: Timing belt and water pump
  2. High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
  3. Medium severity: Clogged particulate filter (DPF)
Most expensive documented repairup to €2,300Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turboPublished figure[1][7]up to €2,000Clogged particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[8]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[2]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[2]
  • 1.4 TDI common rail EA288 (2014-2019)[3][4]
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)[9]
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)

1.4 TDI

See the 10 models with the 1.4 TDI

Other comparisons

With the 2.3 dCi (M9T)

With the 1.4 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. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  7. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  8. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language
  10. 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
  11. Cuánto cuesta válvula EGRDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Cómo saber si el turbo está roto o a punto de romperseMotor.es · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish