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Problems with the particulate filter: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 38 faults with the particulate filter in 37 engines, affecting 301 models of car in our database. The most important by severity and frequency: EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updates (OM651), incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution (1.3 Multijet) and DPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine) (2.0 HDi). At an independent garage, the repair costs from €100 to €3,000 depending on the engine or car.[1][2][3][4][5]

Documented faults
38
11 of high or critical severity
Engines
37
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
301
car generations in our database
Garage repair
€100–€3,000
Depending on engine and car, including VAT

15 sourcesHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Particulate filter (DPF/FAP)

The diesel particulate filter (DPF or FAP) traps soot from diesel exhaust and burns it off periodically in a regeneration, which needs heat and a few minutes of driving at a steady speed. With lots of short trips the regenerations never finish, the filter clogs up and the diesel injected to heat it can end up diluting the engine oil.

What to do

The DPF warning light, the emissions warning or limp mode indicate that the filter is saturated. A forced regeneration on the road or in the workshop usually fixes it if done in time. If you mostly drive in town, consider whether a diesel suits you and watch the oil level: if it rises, diesel is diluting it.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the particulate filter. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the particulate filter by engine

From most to least important (severity × frequency). Each page details the affected versions and years, symptoms, cost and how to check for it.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
  2. 2High severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetIncomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilutionIn heavy urban use, with short journeys that do not let the particulate filter regeneration finish, unburnt diesel passes into the sump and dilutes the oil; the level can rise on the dipstick and the oil loses its ability to lubricate. Repeated many times, it speeds up engine wear.
  3. 3High severityFrequency: Common2.0 HDiDPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)The additive-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) of the 2.0 HDi clogs relatively easily on short journeys, especially on the 107/110 and 136-140 hp versions. The anti-pollution warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car loses power and may end up needing a new DPF.
  4. 4High severityFrequency: Common1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet IISaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerationsIn urban use with short journeys, the particulate filter does not manage to complete its regeneration and becomes saturated; garages recommend a weekly motorway run to avoid it. The filter itself is among the weak points flagged in the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II after a certain mileage.
  5. 5High severityFrequency: Common2.0 Ingenium diéselFuel dilution of the oil linked to particulate filter regenerationsYes: on short trips and in urban use, the Ingenium diesel's particulate filter does not always complete regeneration, and some of the diesel injected to burn off the soot ends up mixing with the engine oil, which reduces its ability to lubricate.
  6. 6High 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.
  7. 7High severityFrequency: CommonSkyactiv-DOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsOn the Skyactiv-D (1.5, 1.8 and 2.2), particulate filter regenerations can let diesel into the sump and raise the oil level. Mazda accepts some dilution as normal, but on short urban journeys the expected margin can be exceeded and harm the lubrication of the turbo and the camshaft.
  8. 8High severityFrequency: Common1.8/2.2 DI-DClogged particulate filter and oil dilutionYes: the particulate filter on the 1.8/2.2 DI-D often clogs in urban use and on short journeys, and incomplete regeneration dilutes the engine oil with unburnt fuel, the most commonly cited sign being an oil level above the maximum.
  9. 9High severityFrequency: Common2.2 HDiDPF clogging with additive, especially on the 128-138 hp versionThe particulate filter (DPF) with additive on the 2.2 HDi has a documented recurring problem in the 128-138 hp version (98 cases out of 277 reviews on fiches-auto); the more powerful twin-turbo versions show far fewer cases. The emissions fault warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car loses power.
  10. 10High severityFrequency: Occasional1.7 CDTIClogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilutionThere are accounts from Opel Astra and Zafira owners with this engine describing a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) — in one case with only 17,000 km — and oil diluted with diesel after repeated failed regenerations.
  11. 11High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 BlueHDiDPF clogging on short journeysThe additive-dosed DPF on the 2.0 BlueHDi can clog if the car mostly does short journeys and does not reach the temperature needed to regenerate. It is a documented fault on current models such as the Opel Grandland, although with fewer cases than on the generations of the 2.0 HDi from before 2013.
  12. 12Medium severityFrequency: Common1.6 HDiAdditive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and cloggingThe DPF on the 1.6 HDi and BlueHDi works with an additive (cerine) that runs out at 80,000-120,000 km and has to be topped up for around €100-120 (price in Spain). With a lot of town use the filter clogs and the warning appears; if it is left, a new DPF costs around €1,500.Repair (garage): €100–€1,500Appears at around 80,000 km
  13. 13Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
  14. 14Medium severityFrequency: Common1.6 CRDiParticulate filter (DPF) blocked in urban useOn cars used mainly for short urban journeys (under 15 km), the particulate filter never completes its regeneration cycle and clogs with soot, which turns on the DPF warning light and reduces engine power.Repair (garage): €300–€1,800
  15. 15Medium severityFrequency: Common1.6 TDIClogged particulate filter (DPF)In urban use and on short trips, the particulate filter does not complete regeneration and becomes saturated with soot. The DPF warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car may enter limp mode with a loss of power.Repair (garage): €200–€3,000
  16. 16Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW B47Particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban useYes: as on most modern diesels, the B47's particulate filter can clog with soot in cars used in town on short journeys, with cleaning or replacement costing from €500 to €1,800 depending on the condition of the filter.Repair (garage): €500–€1,800
  17. 17Medium severityFrequency: Common1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTDParticulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban useOn versions with a particulate filter, urban use with short journeys prevents regeneration from completing and the filter clogs: the warning light comes on, the car enters limp mode and consumption rises. A 30-minute motorway run every two weeks is recommended to avoid it.Repair (garage): €350–€600
  18. 18Medium severityFrequency: Common1.6 / 2.2 i-DTECClogged DPF and limp mode due to failed regenerationsYes: the i-DTEC's diesel particulate filter (DPF) can become clogged if the car mostly does short journeys that do not allow regeneration to complete, lighting its warning light and triggering a limp mode with less power. It is documented in the Civic and CR-V, almost always from 45,000-90,000 km.Appears at around 45,000 km
  19. 19Medium severityFrequency: Common1.7 CRDiParticulate filter (DPF) clogged in urban useIn cars used mainly on short urban journeys (under 15-20 km), the 1.7 CRDi's particulate filter never completes its regeneration cycle and becomes saturated with soot; according to the source consulted, it is the most common problem of this engine in the Hyundai ix35.Repair (garage): €250–€1,200
  20. 20Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 and 2.2 CRDiParticulate filter (DPF) clogged by short journeysOn the Kia Sorento's CRDi diesel engines, the particulate filter tends to clog when the car is used mostly on short journeys that do not allow regeneration to complete, with loss of power and the DPF warning light on.
  21. 21Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 CDTIClogged particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution on short journeysThe 2.0 CDTI's particulate filter clogs easily in urban use and on short journeys: an Insignia owner describes it as «always dirty, with the engine going into limp mode», and in an Astra J there are symptoms of oil dilution by fuel during failed regenerations.
  22. 22Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 dCiClogged 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.
  23. 23Medium severityFrequency: CommonSubaru bóxerClogged particulate filter on the EE20 dieselThe particulate filter on the EE20 boxer diesel tends to clog, especially on those built up to the end of 2010 according to Gebrauchtwagenberater; AUTO BILD cites it on the XV I together with a rising oil level, among the diesel's problems.
  24. 24Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 D-4DClogged diesel particulate filter (DPF)Yes, on units with a standard-fit particulate filter: the 1.4 D-4D's DPF fills with soot on short trips, with the warning light on and, in one documented Auris case, a complete replacement at 236,000 km.
  25. 25Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0/2.2 D-4DD-CAT particulate filter cloggingYes: the D-CAT particulate filter, and that of later versions without the badge, becomes saturated with soot if the car does not cover enough open-road miles, with the DPF warning light on and forced regenerations costing around €180 at a workshop.
  26. 26Medium severityFrequency: CommonD4/D5DPF (particulate filter) blockage and incomplete regenerationsYes: the D4/D5's diesel particulate filter (DPF) can clog or give sensor faults when regenerations are not completed, almost always because of short journeys. Documented in the XC60 (9 cases out of 132 testimonies), the XC90 and the S60/V40 VEA, sometimes together with AdBlue warnings.
  27. 27Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 TDIClogged particulate filter (DPF)On versions with a particulate filter - the last BlueMotion/Ecomotive models of the unit-injector generation and the whole EA288 generation - short urban trips stop the filter regenerating and it clogs with soot. The DPF warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car can lose power.Repair (garage): €500–€2,000
  28. 28Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 dCiBlocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)In urban and short-journey use the 1.6 dCi DPF can block up early: fiches-auto records a case in an X-Trail III at only 10,000 km and 4 months. A software adjustment on the first Kadjar units (up to July 2015) also affected NOx emissions management.Repair (garage): €600–€1,500
  29. 29Medium severityFrequency: Occasional2.2 JTDm Multijet IIClogged particulate filter (DPF) and EGR valve with depositsThe particulate filter and EGR valve of the 2.2 diesel are listed among its weak points in a German guide; the testimonials record excessive regenerations and replaced particulate sensors. Alfa Romeo attributes the intake valve deposits to the operation of the EGR.
  30. 30Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet IIInjector faults and DPF particulate sensor failureIn some batches, a fault in the injection system or in the DPF particulate sensor turns on the engine fault warning light. In the Fiat Doblò, worn injectors or injectors with poor atomisation are also cited as a cause of power loss, higher consumption and black smoke when accelerating.
  31. 31Medium severityFrequency: Occasional2.3 MultiJetAdBlue (SCR) system faults and a saturated particulate filter on the Euro 6On the 2.3 Euro 6d with AdBlue, a German garage cites warnings caused by crystallised urea, aged fluid or the NOx sensor that end in limp mode or a no-start lockout; a commercial website adds that the particulate filter becomes saturated with short journeys. These are qualitative sources.
  32. 32Medium severityFrequency: Occasional2.2 TD4 / SD4Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged by urban useThe 2.2 diesel's DPF clogs if the car only does short, urban journeys and never gets to regenerate. Both sources consulted recommend regular long journeys.
  33. 33Medium severityFrequency: Occasional2.3 dCi (M9T)Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged in urban useIn urban deliveries with little mileage the particulate filter may fail to regenerate and become clogged. One source puts the servicing or replacement at between €350 and €1,500.Repair (garage): €350–€1,500
  34. 34Medium severityFrequency: Occasional2.4 / 2.8 D-4D (GD)Blocked particulate filter (DPF) due to incomplete regenerationsThe particulate filter (DPF) of the GD diesels can become saturated with soot when regenerations are not completed, especially on short, urban journeys, and it causes a warning light, white smoke and limp mode. It is very well documented in Australia; in Europe we have found no recall or lawsuit.
  35. 35Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalD5 5 cilindrosClogged diesel particulate filter (DPF)The D5's DPF becomes saturated with urban use; the repair is put at between €400 and €1,200 in Spain in an industry article, and the XC60 entry records cases of clogging on the 205 and 215 hp D5.Repair (garage): €400–€1,200
  36. 36Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.2 TDIBlocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)This engine has a particulate filter as standard. Short urban journeys stop it regenerating and it becomes saturated with soot: the DPF warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car can enter an emergency mode with loss of power.Repair (garage): €500–€2,000
  37. 37Low severityFrequency: Occasional2.2 CDI (OM646)Particulate filter (DPF) sensor failureThe OM646 introduced an additive-free particulate filter from mid-2003, but its sensor fails relatively often according to a specialist German source. Also, not all units of the period were fitted with it at the factory, so you should check whether the specific car has one before assuming a fault.
  38. 38Low severityFrequency: Rare1.5 HybridParticulate filter clogging on very short urban journeysThere is at least one documented case on the hybrid Yaris Cross: the petrol particulate filter can clog on very short urban journeys, because the engine does not reach the temperature needed to burn off the accumulated residues, and it needs periodic cleaning.

Engines with faults with the particulate filter

Problems with the particulate filter by make

Problems with the particulate filter in your car

68 cars have several documented faults with the particulate filter. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.

Alfa Romeo 3
Audi 2
Citroën 4
Fiat 7
Ford 2
Hyundai 3
Jeep 2
Kia 2
Land Rover 2
Mazda 1
Mercedes-Benz 3
Mitsubishi 1
Nissan 1
Opel 5
Peugeot 7
Renault 1
Seat 3
Škoda 2
Toyota 2
Volkswagen 4
Volvo 11

How much it costs to repair a fault with the particulate filter

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

OBD fault codes with the particulate filter

The codes the ECU usually stores when this part fails: what they mean, causes and what to check.

Frequently asked questions

How is a particulate filter regenerated or cleaned?

Regeneration is automatic: the car burns off the soot when it is driven for a while at a steady speed, normally above 2,000 rpm and with the engine warm, such as on a motorway. If that is not enough, the workshop can force a regeneration from the car's electronics, although such high temperatures can also damage the filter. A filter with useful life remaining can be recovered with an ultrasonic or chemical clean in a dedicated machine.[14]

Is it legal to delete the particulate filter?

No: deleting the DPF is illegal and can be detected at the ITV (the periodic technical inspection in Spain). It is usually done by remapping the control unit, and Spanish courts have gone as far as charging workshops over illegal particulate filter deletions.[14][15]

Which engines have the most faults with the particulate filter?

By severity and frequency, the OM651 (EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updates, high severity), the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II (saturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations, high severity), the 1.3 Multijet (incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution, high severity), the 2.0 HDi (DPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine), high severity), the 2.0 Ingenium diésel (fuel dilution of the oil linked to particulate filter regenerations, high severity) and the MZR-CD (oil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerations, high severity). In total we have documented 37 engines with faults with the particulate filter.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the particulate filter?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At an independent garage, from €100 to €3,000, including VAT, based on the 13 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is clogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensor (2.0 TDI).

What symptoms does a fault with the particulate filter cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: particulate filter warning light (dpf), gradual loss of power, sudden loss of power (limp mode), increase in fuel consumption, oil level rising and "pollution control system faulty" message.

Sources

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

  1. El filtro de partículas en motores diéselMidcar · Technical documentation · published 18 October 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Cómo funciona el filtro de partículas de PSACarbon Cleaner · Other source · published 13 February 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Filtro de partículas: ¿mejor limpiar o sustituir?Autofácil · Motoring press · published 7 April 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 17 January 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  6. Mercedes OM651 : injecteurs, chaîne, fiabilitéAutoCopilot · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  7. Kia Ceed 1.6 Crdi Problemas | Fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalRenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Motor BMW B47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Las 10 averías del coche más caras en 2026: cuánto cuesta cada reparaciónMotorpoint · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  11. Hyundai iX35 1.7 Crdi Problemas | Fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalRenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Problemas Volvo XC90 D5Total Renting · General press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Alfa Romeo GT: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. El filtro de partículas de mi coche no funciona, ¿qué puedo hacer?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 21 November 2020 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
  15. 8 talleres imputados y 80 investigados por anulaciones ilegales de filtros de partículasAutofácil · Motoring press · published 5 October 2015 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish