1.5 dCi (K9K)
2006–2013 · diesel · 1461cc · 86hp
Engine codes: K9K
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Nissan Note 1.5 dCi (K9K). Check this before you buy used.
The Renault 1.5 dCi (K9K) — shared across Renault, Dacia and Nissan. Economical and high-mileage capable, with the standard K9K cautions: injector wear, turbo failure on oil neglect, and EGR clogging (a known Note diesel niggle along with a slipping auxiliary belt). Strong with strict oil discipline; only worth choosing over the petrols for high annual mileage.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (K9K) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
Worn injectors → hard start, smoke, rough running.
Fix / Workaround: Injector test; recon/replace; quality fuel.
Repair cost: €200–€900
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Turbo fails on old/low oil.
Fix / Workaround: Strict oil changes; check turbo on drive.
Repair cost: €500–€1100
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
EGR clogs on short trips; auxiliary belt can slip/squeal.
Fix / Workaround: Clean/replace EGR; replace aux belt + tensioner.
Repair cost: €100–€500
Belt + water pump every 4 yr / ~96,000 km; water-pump seizure can take the belt.
Fix / Workaround: Replace full belt kit on schedule.
Repair cost: €300–€600
Typically appears after: 96,000 km
EGR clogs; turbo wears on poor fuel / short trips.
Fix / Workaround: Clean EGR; good fuel; check turbo.
Repair cost: €150–€1000
Injectors and turbo can suffer on poor fuel at higher mileage.
Fix / Workaround: Good fuel; service as needed.
Repair cost: €300–€1200
Mileage Thresholds
After 150,000 km: Injector/turbo window.
After 250,000 km: Durable with belt discipline.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Oil-change history
- ☐Cold-start smoke = injectors
- ☐Check EGR + aux belt
- ☐Strict timing belt + water pump history
- ☐EGR/turbo check
- ☐Prefer non-DPF early cars for simplicity
- ☐Good fuel; check turbo on test drive
- ☐The diesel to have
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Note 1.5 dCi (K9K) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The Renault 1.5 dCi (K9K) — shared across Renault, Dacia and Nissan. Economical and high-mileage capable, with the standard K9K cautions: injector wear, turbo failure on oil neglect, and EGR clogging (a known Note diesel niggle along with a slipping auxiliary belt). Strong with strict oil discipline; only worth choosing over the petrols for high annual mileage.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Nissan Note 1.5 dCi (K9K)?
The most commonly reported problems: Injector wear, Turbo failure (oil neglect), EGR clog / aux belt slip, Timing belt + water pump (strict), EGR / turbo wear, Injector / turbo (high mileage / bad fuel).
Is a used Nissan Note 1.5 dCi (K9K) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.