1.6 / 2.0 dCi (diesel)
2011–2016 · diesel · 1598cc · 130hp
Engine codes: M9R, R9M
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Renault Scénic III 1.6 / 2.0 dCi (diesel). Check this before you buy used.
The diesels — the 1.6 dCi (R9M, shared with the Qashqai/Mégane/Kadjar) and the older, torquey 2.0 dCi (M9R, the proven larger Renault-Nissan unit, ideal with 4WD and seven seats) — are the high-mileage X-Trail choice. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, injector and turbo attention, and the timing items per version. The 2.0 dCi with a manual avoids the CVT worry entirely and is the rugged long-distance/towing pick. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a dependable long-hauler. Buy on DPF, injector and (manual vs CVT) transmission history.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (M9R) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
DPF clogs and EGR soots on urban use; injector wear.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean EGR; injector test.
Repair cost: €250–€1100
Typically appears after: 140,000 km
Turbo attention at higher mileage; 2.0 M9R is the tough towing pick.
Fix / Workaround: Check turbo; clean oil.
Repair cost: €250–€1300
Typically appears after: 170,000 km
DPF clogs and EGR soots on urban use.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean/replace EGR + DPF.
Repair cost: €300–€1100
Typically appears after: 130,000 km
Injection and turbo want clean oil; some early chain attention.
Fix / Workaround: Strict oil; injector/turbo checks.
Repair cost: €250–€1300
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Mileage Thresholds
After 220,000 km: 2.0 dCi manual is the rugged long-hauler.
After 160,000 km: DPF + injection window.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐2.0 dCi manual avoids the CVT
- ☐1.6 dCi shares R9M with Qashqai/Kadjar
- ☐DPF + injector history
- ☐Oil + DPF history
- ☐Better-matched than 1.5 dCi
- ☐Injector/turbo checks
Frequently asked questions
Is the Renault Scénic III 1.6 / 2.0 dCi (diesel) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The diesels — the 1.6 dCi (R9M, shared with the Qashqai/Mégane/Kadjar) and the older, torquey 2.0 dCi (M9R, the proven larger Renault-Nissan unit, ideal with 4WD and seven seats) — are the high-mileage X-Trail choice. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, injector and turbo attention, and the timing items per version. The 2.0 dCi with a manual avoids the CVT worry entirely and is the rugged long-distance/towing pick. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a dependable long-hauler. Buy on DPF, injector and (manual vs CVT) transmission history.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Renault Scénic III 1.6 / 2.0 dCi (diesel)?
The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR / injector, Turbo (high miles), DPF / EGR (short trips), Injector / turbo / chain.
Is a used Renault Scénic III 1.6 / 2.0 dCi (diesel) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.