Renault/Nissan 2.0 dCi (M9R)Injectors
Injector failure on the 2.0 dCi
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: The Espace IV accounts for 81 injector reports, far above the other models consulted, with 13 cases in the Laguna III and 5 in the Koleos. It is a known problem with enough volume to consider it frequent, although there is no figure that would let us speak of a majority of units.[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- The glow plug light may flash with the engine running when the control unit detects an injection fault.[4]Flashing glow plug light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Jerking or uneven engine running, especially with the engine cold, described in several Laguna III and Espace IV reports.[1][3]Jerking: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Higher consumption when an injector sprays incorrectly and combustion becomes less efficient.[2]Uses more fuel: other faults that cause it · Monitor
Why it happens
The common-rail injectors on this engine work at high pressure and, with wear, can lose their seal or stop spraying the fuel correctly; a Laguna III case describes a fuel leak with the engine fault risk warning light on.[1]
If it is not repaired: An injector that drips or sprays badly can dilute the engine oil with unburnt fuel and, if not corrected, speed up wear on other internal parts.[3]
Affected cars and years
Documented in the Espace IV, Laguna III and Koleos. There is no equivalent data for the van.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 dCi 130-150 (M9R, cars, 2005-2012) | 2005–2012 | M9R |
| 2.0 dCi 160-177 (M9R, higher-output cars, 2006-2016) | 2006–2016 | M9R |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Nissan
- Nissan Qashqai I2007–2013
- Nissan X-Trail II2007–2013
- Nissan X-Trail III2016–2018
Renault
- Renault Laguna III2007–2015
- Renault Mégane II2006–2009
- Renault Mégane III2008–2016
- Renault Koleos I2008–2016
- Renault Espace IV2006–2015
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the faulty injector or injectors, with the corresponding coding in the control unit.[3]
French sheets cite amounts of between €200 and €1,500 depending on the number of injectors affected, but these are French market figures; we have not found a price of our own with Spanish VAT for this engine.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Common-rail injector
Individual replacement of the faulty injector; it is worth checking the others if one has already failed.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Filling up at trusted stations and not running the tank down to the dregs helps stop fuel impurities reaching the injectors.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell an injector is failing on the 2.0 dCi?
Most commonly the engine runs jerkily, especially when cold, and consumption goes up. In more serious cases a fault warning light can appear and, according to the reports consulted, even a visible fuel leak.[1]
Why does the Renault Espace IV have so many injector cases?
With 81 reports it is the model with the most cases cited among the sheets consulted. The sources do not explain whether this is down to the vehicle's weight, its use or a specific batch of injectors, so there is no confirmed technical cause beyond the sheer volume of cases.[3]
Can a failing injector damage the engine?
If ignored for a long time, unburnt fuel can dilute the oil and speed up wear on other parts, although the isolated failure of one injector does not usually destroy the engine on its own.[3]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 2.0 dCi faults
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboPremature turbocharger failureThe 2.0 dCi turbo fails relatively often, sometimes at low mileage: the reliability sheets consulted document dozens of cases in the Espace IV, Koleos and Laguna III, with whistling, loss of power and, in several cases, bluish smoke before the final failure.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain wear or breakageThe 2.0 dCi timing chain can stretch or, in the worst cases, break earlier than expected: there are documented cases between around 60,000 and more than 200,000 km in several models that use it. As the engine is an interference design between piston and valves, a breakage usually brings serious internal damage.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter (DPF)The 2.0 dCi particulate filter clogs up fairly easily in urban or short-trip use: it is the most cited fault in the reliability sheets of the Qashqai (26 cases) and the Koleos (23 cases), with the warning light on, frequent regenerations and, in some cases, a need to replace the filter.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blockageThe 2.0 dCi EGR valve gets dirty with carbon from the recirculated gases and can stick or stop sealing: it is the fault with the most reports in the Espace IV sheet (88 cases), with additional documented cases in the Laguna III and Qashqai.
More faults with the injectors on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI)Yes: 220 and 250 CDI models built between 2008 and 2011 had Delphi piezo injectors that were prone to failing and seizing in the cylinder head. Mercedes-Benz replaced them under warranty in 2009 and switched the 220 CDI to solenoid injectors from 2010-2011, but the 250 CDI kept them.Repair (garage): €3,600–€5,900
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW N52 / N53N53 piezoelectric injector failureThe N53's piezoelectric direct injectors fail frequently and cause misfires, rough idle and limp mode; replacing them is expensive and they must be coded.
- High severityFrequency: CommonMZR-CDOil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerationsOn the 2.0 and 2.2 MZR-CD, injector seals that age badly and incomplete particulate filter regenerations on short journeys can let unburnt diesel into the sump, diluting the oil and leaving the engine with less lubrication.
- High severityFrequency: CommonOM642Wear and failure of the Bosch piezo injectorsThe OM642's Bosch piezo injectors can fail from around 150,000-200,000 km, especially with poor-quality diesel; they cannot be repaired, only replaced. Because it is a V engine, those on the rear bank are harder to reach, which pushes up labour costs.Repair: €4,500–€6,500
- High severityFrequency: Common2.2 CDI (OM646)Injector seal leak with carbonisation around the seatYes: the copper washer that seals each injector can harden and let combustion gases through, forming a black crust of carbon around it. It is a known fault on Mercedes CDI diesels of this era, with injectors described as fragile on both the OM611 and the OM646.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.2/2.5 dCiInjection pump or injector failureThe 2.2 dCi's common rail injectors fail fairly often on the X-Trail and Almera, with cases of seizing and leaks; on the Almera with the older YD22DDT, the documented fault is in the injection pump electronics, not the injectors.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité Renault Laguna 3 : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Renault Koleos : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Renault Espace 4 : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish