2.5 dCi YD25 engine: faults and reliability

• 2.5 dCi 144 and 174 hp (YD25DDTi, 2005-2010)

  2005–2010 · 144–174 hp · YD25DDTi

  With caution

  Worth buying if there is evidence that the timing chain has already been checked or replaced, because it is the documented weak point.^[1][2]

• 2.5 dCi 190 hp (YD25DDTi, 2010-2015)

  2010–2015 · 190 hp · YD25DDTi

  With caution

  The timing chain remains a point to check; the sources do not indicate that the problem was corrected with the power change.^[1][2]

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.

1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain wear and failureThe single chain at the bottom of the YD25 (the one that drives the injection pump) is the engine's weak point: it stretches and, if it jumps or breaks, the engine usually ends up rebuilt or replaced. It is heard as a rattle.Appears at around 100,000 km
2. 2High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbocharger failureThe YD25's variable-geometry turbo can fail, causing loss of power, whistling and smoke, especially if the oil is dirty or lubrication is lacking. A French source places it from about 120,000 km.Appears at around 120,000 km
3. 3Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve clogged with carbonThe 2.5 dCi's EGR valve clogs with carbon and usually turns on the engine warning light. Farmers Weekly puts the replacement part at about £150.
4. 4High severityFrequency: RareCylinder head and blockHead gasket damaged by overheatingOverheating can damage the YD25's head gasket or the cylinder head itself. Farmers Weekly warns: if the heater stops blowing hot it could be the gasket, with repairs of about £1,000.

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

Manufacturer

Nissan

Family

YD

Fuel

Diesel

Displacement

2,488 cm³

Cylinders

4

Fuel system

Turbo

Injection

Common rail

Timing

Chain

Power

144–190 hp

Peak torque

450 Nm

Production

2005–2015

Makes

Nissan

Technical data^[1][4][5]

1. 2005–2010

   2.5 dCi 144 and 174 hp (YD25DDTi, 2005-2010)

   First European versions of the YD25DDTi: 144 hp and later 174 hp, with a variable-geometry turbo and common rail injection.^[4][5]

2. 2010–2015

   2.5 dCi 190 hp (YD25DDTi, 2010-2015)

   After the 2010 update, power rises to 190 hp and torque to 450 Nm.^[4][5]