Which Diesel Engines Should I Avoid?
Despite appearances and declining sales numbers, diesel remains the preferred fuel of the French! And even the end of combustion engines is scheduled for 2035 in the euro zone, the models run on fuel or to diesel fuel there is still a coast. Diesel models, despite rising prices at the pump, remain fuel-efficient and very popular among professionals who rack up a lot of kilometers.
If you want to get a second-hand model at diesel, there will be some criteria to follow. Each brand has its own engine technology, which has been extensively updated since its inception. In the house of Renault for example, blocks dCi covers most brand models. For PSA engines, these are the HDi units (High pressure Direct Injection) representing diesel models.
- 1.4 of 92 hp. Only suggested in the first opus of C3, he had problems with injectors until the end of his career (2005).
- 2.0 of 90, 110 and 140 hp. Precursors of the HDi family, they never freed themselves from broken Damper pulleys for the former and engine flywheels for the latter two.
- 2.2 of 13 0 hp. With its chain and timing belt, it remains subject to the wear and tear of these two elements.
What are the reliability dates for the HDi models? (Peugeot / Citroen / DS)
1.4 HDi 70
Expected from 2011: Citroën C2, C3 and DS 3, Peugeot 10 07, 206, 207 and 307.
If the injector problems were solved from 2008, it took another three years to end the turbo failures.
1.6 HDi 90/92
Expected from 2014: Citroën C3 and DS 3, C4, Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso and Berlingo, Peugeot 207, 208, 307, 308 and Partner.
It was only in the last months of production that this block, replaced by the BlueHDi 10 0, forgot about turbo cracks.
1.6 HDi 110/112/115
Expected from 2011: Citroën C3, DS 3, C3 Picasso, C4, DS 4, C5, DS 5, Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso and Berlingo, Peugeot 206, 207, 307, 308, 3008, 5008, 407 and 508. Also some Ford Focus , C-Max… ), Volvo (C30, V50…) and Mini (Cooper D).
A new version of this block was introduced in 2011, the latter went from 16 to 8 valves and solved the recurring problems with the turbo, flywheel and clutch that had affected it until then.
2.0 HDi 136/138
Expected from 2012: Citroën C4, C4 Picasso, C5 and C8, Peugeot 307, 308, 407, 607 and 807.
If the epidemic affecting turbos weakened in 2009, it was only three years later that it was really removed, including under the hoods of Fords and Volvos using the same block.
2.2 HDi 170/173
Expected since 2008: Citroën C5, C6 and C8, Peugeot 407, 607 and 807.
Troubles related to the turbo (solenoid valve, rod, etc.) have been resolved on engines built in the last three years.
V6 2.7 HDi 204
Expected since 2008: Citroën C5 and C6, Peugeot 407 and 607. This engine, also used by Land Rover and Jaguar, experienced problems with the EGR valve and alternator, which were repaired in 2008.
dCi engine to avoid:
These dCi blocks have never been reliable:
- 1.9 of 120 hp. Removed from the market at the end of 2005, it experienced, throughout its career, chronic failures of the variable geometry turbo.
- 2.2 and 3.0 V6 of 18 0 hp. Used by Renault Laguna 2, Vel Satis and Espace, but with the Isuzu source for the V6, they accumulate block breakages, turbo failures, HS injectors and EGR valve failures. Run away!
What reliability dates for dCi models? (Renault/Dacia/Nissan)
1.5 dCi 60/65/70/75/80/85/ 90/100/105/110
Expected since 2006: Renault Clio 2, Mégane 2 and Scénic 2, Nissan Note 1, and all Dacias.
And since 2012: Renault Clio 3, Modus and Kangoo.
It was mainly the injection pumps (they fell and caused engine damage) that caused problems with this family of engines. In the 60, 80 and 90 hp versions before 2006, the crankshaft was also fragile.
Expected from 2011: Nissan Qashqai 1.
Victim of connecting rod failure on 1.5 dCi 106 and on some 2.0 15 0, until 2008, and engine failure until 2010 (pulleys and timing belt).
Marketed since 2007, the Twingo 2, Mégane 3, Scénic 3 and Laguna 3, as well as the Nissan Note 2, Pulsar and Qashqai 2, have not experienced repeated problems with this engine.
2.0 dCi 180
Expected since 2009: Renault Laguna 3. The units that rolled off the line in the first year of production suffered from injector problems.
TDI engines to avoid: (Audi / Volkswagen / Seat / Skoda / Porsche)
Blocks 1.9
105 hp TDI (until 2009)
Audi A3, Seat Ibiza, Leon, Toledo, Altea, Alhambra, Skoda Fabia, Roomster, Octavia 2, Excellent, Volkswagen Polo, New Beetle, Golf 5, Bora, Jetta, Passat, Touran, Sharan
This “105” experienced problems with the dual-mass flywheel (snapping, vibrations) when starting and stopping. A damage premature clutch. In addition, in isolation, fouling of the EGR valve and seizure of the injector-pumps.
115 hp TDI (until 2003) Audi A4, A6, Seat Alhambra, Volkswagen Golf 4, Bora, Passat, Sharan
Weaknesses of the “115”: fouling of the flowmeter, seizure of the turbo and a fragile crankshaft (expensive engine damage).
Also read:
What gasoline engines should you avoid?
Renault Master: what are the frequent problems?
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136/140 hp TDI (2003-2010)
Audi A3, A4, A6, Seat Leon, Altea, Altea XL, Toledo, Alhambra, Skoda Octavia 2, Excellent, VW Golf 5, Jetta, Passat, Touran and Sharan
Coolant consumption due to porous cylinder heads, the dual-mass flywheel prematurely wearing out the clutch, problems with the oil pump drive chain causing engine damage…, this block accumulates trouble . To these breakdowns should be added turbo and unit injector seizures, and EGR valve fouling.
