1.6 HDi (DV6)
2008–2017 · diesel · 1560cc · 112hp
Engine codes: DV6, 9HZ, 9HR
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Citroen C5 1.6 HDi (DV6). Check this before you buy used.
The 1.6 HDi (DV6) — economical but underpowered for a car the size of the C5, and prone to turbo oil starvation: the narrow oil-feed pipe carbons up if oil changes are delayed or the wrong oil used, seizing the turbo. DPF clogs on short urban trips. The dipstick-tube quirk (plastic tip snapping into the sump) carries over too. Only sensible with strict oil discipline and motorway use — the 2.0 HDi is the far better C5 diesel.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (DV6) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- Citroën C3— 1.6 HDi (DV6)92hp
- Citroën C4 Picasso— 1.6 HDi (DV6)112hp
- Citroën C4— 1.6 HDi (DV6)110hp
- Ford Fiesta Mk7— 1.4 / 1.6 TDCi (PSA DV4 / DV6)95hp
- Peugeot 3008— 1.6 HDi / e-HDi (DV6)112hp
- Ford Focus II— 1.6 TDCi (DV6)109hp
- Ford Focus III— 1.6 TDCi (PSA DV6)115hp
- Suzuki Vitara— 1.6 DDiS (diesel)120hp
- Peugeot 2008— 1.6 HDi / BlueHDi (DV6)100hp
- Mini Hatch— Cooper D (1.6 diesel)112hp
- Peugeot 208— 1.6 HDi / BlueHDi (DV6)100hp
- Suzuki S-Cross— 1.6 DDiS (diesel)120hp
- Peugeot 308— 1.6 HDi (DV6)110hp
- Citroën Berlingo— 1.6 HDi (DV6)92hp
- Peugeot 508— 1.6 HDi (DV6C)115hp
- Ford Mondeo IV— 1.6 TDCi (DV6)115hp
- Peugeot 5008— 1.6 HDi (DV6)112hp
- Peugeot 207— 1.6 HDi (DV6)110hp
- Peugeot 407— 1.6 HDi (DV6)110hp
Known Issues
Narrow turbo oil-feed pipe carbons up with neglected/wrong oil → turbo seizure.
Fix / Workaround: Strict oil changes to correct spec; clean/replace oil feed; verify turbo health.
Repair cost: €400–€1200
Typically appears after: 100,000 km
DPF blocks on short trips; struggles to regen in city use.
Fix / Workaround: Regular motorway runs; forced regen; clean/replace.
Repair cost: €300–€1000
Mileage Thresholds
After 100,000 km: Turbo oil-starvation window.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Strict oil-change history (turbo feed)
- ☐Check turbo on test drive
- ☐Underpowered in the C5 — prefer the 2.0 HDi
Frequently asked questions
Is the Citroen C5 1.6 HDi (DV6) reliable?
Problematic — The 1.6 HDi (DV6) — economical but underpowered for a car the size of the C5, and prone to turbo oil starvation: the narrow oil-feed pipe carbons up if oil changes are delayed or the wrong oil used, seizing the turbo. DPF clogs on short urban trips. The dipstick-tube quirk (plastic tip snapping into the sump) carries over too. Only sensible with strict oil discipline and motorway use — the 2.0 HDi is the far better C5 diesel.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Citroen C5 1.6 HDi (DV6)?
The most commonly reported problems: Turbo oil starvation (narrow feed), DPF clogging.
Is a used Citroen C5 1.6 HDi (DV6) worth buying?
Known design issues and recurring faults that were never fully resolved. Buy only with eyes open.