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1.4 HDi 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 1.4 HDi: 32/100 versus 43/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.4 HDi has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump»; the 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo».

Risk index

1.4 HDi

43

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.4 HDi reliable?

It is a small diesel that is generally reliable, but with a very well-documented weakness: the injectors tend to lose their seal over time and let diesel escape. The turbo and the EGR valve also fail on a noticeable minority of units, and there are isolated cases of the crankshaft damper pulley failing at very high mileages. The timing belt does not seem to cause more problems than on any diesel of its era if it is changed on time.[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the 1.4 HDi 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.[4][5]

See the 5 of the 2.3 dCi (M9T) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.4 HDi and 2.3 dCi (M9T)
1.4 HDi2.3 dCi (M9T)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,399 cm³2,300 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power54–92 hp100–180 hp
Production2001–2010[1][6][7][8]since 2010[4][5][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity12
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Injectors that lose their seal and let diesel escape
  2. High severity: Timing belt and water pump
  3. Medium severity: Premature turbo wear from poor lubrication
  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[4][10]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[5]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 HDi/TDCi 54/68/70 8V (DV4TD, 2001-2009)[2][3]
  • 1.4 HDi 90/92 16V (DV4TED4, 2002-2009)[2][8]
  • 2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)[5]
  • 2.3 dCi in the Navara D23 (NP300)[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

1.4 HDi

See the 12 models with the 1.4 HDi

2.3 dCi (M9T)

Other comparisons

With the 1.4 HDi

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. Motor PSA DVWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 68 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 70 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. Ford Duratorq engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Peugeot DV4TD engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Peugeot DV4TED4 engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  10. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  11. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language