Buying Guides
Diesel Engines To Avoid: Used Diesels With Known Problems
6 min read
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CarVerified Team
Some diesel engines have well-known weak points, from timing chains to turbos and injectors. Here's which used diesels to be careful with, the warning signs, typical costs and what to check.
Diesels can be excellent used buys for drivers who cover a lot of miles, offering strong economy and long-distance comfort. But some diesel engines have well-known weak points, and on a used car those problems can be expensive. Knowing which engine a car has, and what to check, can save you thousands.
This isn’t a list of cars nobody should buy. Many cars with these engines have had the problem fixed or simply never developed it. It’s a guide to what to look for.
Check this car free first: enter the registration at carverified.co.uk to confirm the exact engine size, fuel type and year, and see the MOT history.
Diesel Engines With Known Problems
BMW N47 2.0 Diesel (Around 2007 To 2013)
Used in many BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series and X models of that era. The engine’s timing chain sits at the back of the engine, and chain and guide wear has been widely reported. Replacing it is a big job because the engine often has to come out. A rattling noise from the back of the engine, especially on a cold start, is a warning sign. Ask for proof of any chain replacement.
Early 1.6 HDi And TDCi Diesel (Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, Volvo And Mazda)
This shared 1.6 diesel, used across many superminis and family cars in the 2000s and early 2010s, has a history of turbo failures linked to oil feed problems and carbon build-up, plus injector seal leaks. Regular oil changes with the correct oil are critical. Ask for records of turbo or injector work.
1.3 MultiJet Diesel (Fiat, Vauxhall And Suzuki)
Found in cars such as the Fiat 500 and Panda, Vauxhall Corsa (as the 1.3 CDTi) and Suzuki Swift. It’s economical, but it’s often bought for town use, where DPF and EGR problems become more likely. Check how the car has been driven and its service history.
Renault And Nissan 1.5 dCi
Used in many Renault, Dacia and Nissan models, including the Clio, Megane, Qashqai and Juke. Early versions in particular have reports of crankshaft bearing failures, which have been linked to stretched oil change intervals. A full service history with regular oil changes is essential.
Volkswagen Group EA189 2.0 And 1.6 TDI (Around 2009 To 2015)
These engines were affected by the diesel emissions scandal, and owners were asked to have a software update (and on some engines a small hardware change) applied. Some owners have reported EGR and DPF issues afterwards. Check whether the update has been done, which a VW, Audi, SEAT or Skoda dealer can confirm from the VIN.
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Other Engines To Research
Some newer diesels have also had reported problems, for example timing chain wear on some early Jaguar Land Rover 2.0 Ingenium diesels, and oil dilution on some diesels used mainly for short journeys. If you’re looking at a specific model, read its buying guide and ask a specialist about that engine.
Common Diesel Problems On Any Used Car
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DPF blockages on diesels used for short trips. See our guide to cars with DPF problems.
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EGR valve faults, causing poor running and warning lights.
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Injector problems, causing rough running, smoke or hard starting.
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Dual-mass flywheel wear, causing vibration and a rattle at idle.
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Turbo failure, often from oil supply problems or missed oil changes.
How Much Do Diesel Engine Repairs Cost?
These are typical UK ranges and vary by model and garage, so get a quote:
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EGR valve: often around £300 to £800.
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Injectors: often a few hundred pounds each.
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Dual-mass flywheel and clutch: often around £800 to £1,500.
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Turbo: often around £800 to £2,000.
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Timing chain replacement on some engines: often £1,500 or more.
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Replacement engine: several thousand pounds.
What To Check Before Buying A Used Diesel
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Find out exactly which engine the car has. The same model can come with very different engines.
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A full service history with regular oil changes using the correct oil specification.
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Invoices for any timing chain, turbo, injector, DPF or EGR work.
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The MOT history for emissions failures, smoke advisories and the yearly mileage. You can check it free with our MOT check.
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A cold start, listening for rattles, plus a test drive that includes a steady faster run.
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No warning lights, and no blue or heavy black smoke.
Take Our Used Car Checklist To The Viewing
Our free used car checklist builds a tick-off list for the exact car you’re viewing: choose dealer or private seller and petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, and it adds the extra checks for that fuel type. Pick diesel and it adds the DPF, smoke and engine checks for you. You can add notes as you go and download it as a PDF.
Should You Avoid These Diesels?
Not necessarily. A well-maintained example with records of the known fix can be a good buy, and often at a lower price. Walk away from cars with missing service history, warning lights or obvious rattles, and be cautious if most of your driving is short trips, where a petrol, hybrid or electric car usually suits better. Our petrol vs diesel cost calculator can help you decide.
You can read more in our guides to buying a used BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, Nissan Qashqai and VW Golf, and in our main guide to cars to avoid buying in the UK.
Which CarVerified Report Covers This?
A history report shows the MOT emissions record and mileage history, and whether the car has been written off, stolen or still has finance on it.
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Free check: start with the free vehicle check for the make, model, engine size, fuel type, year and MOT and tax status, so you can confirm the car matches the advert.
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Silver: the core vehicle history check, including write-off and stolen records. Finance is not part of Silver, but it can be unlocked separately.
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Silver Plus: adds the outstanding finance check.
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Gold: the most complete report, adding ex-taxi, salvage and valuation checks.
See exactly what each report includes on the pricing page or in the sample report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Diesel Engines Are The Most Reliable?
It varies by model and era, and the individual car’s maintenance matters more than reputation. In general, engines with a strong service history, regular oil changes and evidence of known fixes are the safest buys.
Is A High-Mileage Diesel A Bad Buy?
Not necessarily. Diesels that have done regular long journeys and been serviced on time can be in better condition than low-mileage diesels used for short trips. Check the history carefully.
How Do I Know Which Engine A Car Has?
The free vehicle check shows the engine size and fuel type, and the service book or a main dealer can confirm the exact engine from the VIN.
Are Older Diesels Allowed In ULEZ?
Diesel cars generally need to meet the Euro 6 standard (most registered from September 2015) to avoid the London ULEZ charge. Use our ULEZ checker to check a specific registration.
Does A Vehicle History Check Show Engine Problems?
A history check shows MOT emissions failures, mileage, write-off and finance records. It can’t test the engine itself, so combine it with a cold start, a test drive and, ideally, an independent inspection.
Conclusion
Some diesel engines have well-documented weak points, from timing chains on the BMW N47 to turbo and injector issues on early 1.6 HDi and TDCi engines. That doesn’t rule them out, but it does make the service history essential. Find out exactly which engine the car has, look for evidence of the known fixes, take a proper test drive, and run a full history check before you buy.

Free tools for this guide

ULEZ Checker
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Check the vehicle history before you buy: MOT history, mileage, outstanding finance, write-offs and theft records.
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Related Guides
Table of Contents
1.
Diesel Engines With Known Problems
2.
Common Diesel Problems On Any Used Car
3.
How Much Do Diesel Engine Repairs Cost?
4.
What To Check Before Buying A Used Diesel
5.
Take Our Used Car Checklist To The Viewing
6.
Should You Avoid These Diesels?
7.
Which CarVerified Report Covers This?
8.
Frequently Asked Questions
9.
Conclusion
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