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Photo: Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Renault-Nissan 1.6 dCi (R9M) engine: reliability and faults

Diesel · 1,598 cm³ · 130, 160 hp · since 2011

Good choice, check first
Reliability
4.0/5

3 known faults

Verdict

A four-cylinder diesel of 1,598 cm³ with a timing chain, introduced in 2011 on the Scénic with 130 hp, then offered in a 160 hp twin-turbo version. On the Kadjar and the second-generation Qashqai it was replaced in 2018 by the 1.7 Blue dCi 150. Fiches-auto judges it rather positively, with the exception of its variable-geometry turbo, which is prone to boost problems. The EGR valve clogs in urban use and the timing chain can stretch with mileage. Insist on service invoices.

Years to favour or avoid

To favour
No year particularly to favour
To avoid
No year to avoid identified

Known faults

Failure of the variable-geometry turbo

Severity 2/3 · Costly

The variable-geometry turbo of the 1.6 dCi 130 is its recognised weak point: boost problems, or even turbo failure, sometimes without warning signs. Owners of a third-generation Scénic report quotes of €1,900 to €2,300 for a failure between 66,000 and 78,000 km.

Versions
dci-1-6-r9m
Onset
not documented
Repair
€1,900 to €2,300

Stretched timing chain

Severity 2/3 · Costly

The timing chain, presented as maintenance-free, can stretch: a chain noise on start-up, a fault detectable during diagnosis. In a sample of Grand Scénic 1.6 dCi analysed by Carverif, one third needed the chain replaced between 120,000 and 160,000 km; one owner quotes about €2,500.

Versions
dci-1-6-r9m
Onset
between 120,000 km and 160,000 km
Repair
not documented

Clogged EGR valve

Severity 1/3 · Annoying

The EGR valve of the 1.6 dCi is heavily used: clogging, accelerated by short urban trips, causes loss of power, higher fuel consumption and an engine warning light. It is usually replaced between 120,000 and 180,000 km.

Versions
dci-1-6-r9m
Onset
between 120,000 km and 180,000 km
Repair
not documented

Models fitted

  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

    Nissan X-Trail

    2014–2022 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €391/month
    See the guide : Nissan X-Trail
  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Renault Koleos

    2017–2023 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €394/month
    See the guide : Renault Koleos
  • Buy with care

    Photo: Jakub "Flyz1" Maciejewski, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Renault Talisman

    2015–2022 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €345/month
    See the guide : Renault Talisman

Maintain and diagnose this engine

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.