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2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 engine: faults and reliability

Renault 2.2 dCi (G9T) and 3.0 dCi V6 (P9X, de origen Isuzu) · Renault

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]

Risk index
46
Moderate risk · what it is
Documented faults
3
2 of high or critical severity
Timing
Timing belt (dry)
Technical data[4][5]
Production
2001–2009
5 models on this site

7 sourcesHow we work

Which 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 versions should you buy?

Our verdict for each version, based on the documented faults.

  • 2.2 dCi 115-150 (G9T)

    2001–2009 · 115–150 hp · G9T

    With caution

    There are reports of big-end bearing failures and clogged EGR valves; check the history and whether the bearings have already been replaced.[2][3]

  • 3.0 dCi V6 180 (P9X)

    2002–2009 · 180 hp · P9X

    With caution

    L'argus lists cases of overheating leading to seizure; check the cooling circuit and the expansion tank.[1][6]

Buy: No known serious faults, or they have already been corrected, in this version. With caution: Worth buying if something specific is verified: history, a replaced part or a completed campaign. Avoid: High risk of a serious fault that is hard to check for or prevent.

Known faults of the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

Sorted from most to least important (severity × frequency).

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCooling3.0 dCi V6 overheating and expansion tank failuresThe 3.0 V6 dCi (P9X 701) in the Espace and Vel Satis has a reputation for overheating; L'argus lists cases of engine seizure. Renault issued a note on the expansion tanks in 2006, without acknowledging engine damage at the time.
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockBig-end bearing failure in the 2.2 dCi (G9T)L'argus flags big-end bearing failure as a known weakness of Renault's dCi diesels of the era, and there are owner accounts of Laguna II and Avantime cars with the 2.2. There are no incidence statistics: it is an anecdotally documented risk, but with a very serious consequence.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlBlocked EGR valve and turbo and injector faults on the 2.2 dCi (G9T)On the 150 hp 2.2 dCi, forums frequently cite a blocked EGR valve, turbo failures between 80,000 and 140,000 km (according to one forum) and seized injectors; L'argus confirms that carbon build-up affects dCi engines in general. These are mid-cost faults that do not usually destroy the engine.

Severity colours: low, medium, high, critical. How we rate them

By part

Compare each fault with the same part on other engines: symptoms, cost and affected models.

Symptoms of these faults

What the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 is

The 2.2 dCi (G9T, 2,188 cc, common-rail injection) was offered with 115, 130 and 150 hp according to Wikipedia and powered the Espace IV, Vel Satis, Avantime and Laguna II, as well as vans such as the Master II (also sold as the Nissan Interstar and Opel Movano).[4]

The 3.0 V6 dCi (P9X) of about 180 hp, of Isuzu/GM origin, was fitted to the Espace IV and Vel Satis. The French Wikipedia also describes tuning problems on the early Vel Satis.[5][7]

Documented faults include big-end bearing failure on the 2.2, a clogged EGR valve on both and overheating on the V6; all of it comes from owner reports or the press that cites them.[1][2][3][6]

Manufacturer
Renault
Family
G9T / P9X
Fuel
Diesel
Displacement
2,188 cm³
Cylinders
4
Fuel system
Turbo
Injection
Common rail
Timing
Timing belt (dry)
Power
115–180 hp
Production
2001–2009
Makes
Renault

Technical data[4][5]

What changed between versions

  1. 2001–2009

    2.2 dCi 115-150 (G9T)

    2,188 cc common-rail diesel with 115, 130 and 150 hp according to Wikipedia; the French Wikipedia gives 140 and 150 hp for the Espace IV.[4][7]

  2. 2002–2009

    3.0 dCi V6 180 (P9X)

    About 180 hp V6 of Isuzu/GM origin, offered in the Espace IV and Vel Satis.[5][7]

Cars fitted with the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

5 models sold in Spain. Open each one to see all their faults and the buying checklist.

Renault

Compare the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

Maintenance parts for the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

The parts replaced at services and when the timing belt or chain is changed, searched for this engine. Confirm the part number with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. More information

Are you buying a car with the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6?

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Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had, at how many kilometres and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Sources

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

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