15 sourced reports, with what to check before you buy. Each one links to the page it was reported on.
Found with a diagnostic scan
The R9M 1.6 dCi engine (Euro 6) commonly develops AdBlue system and NOx sensor faults. These trigger warning lights and may limit performance, leading to costly repairs. Known failure window is 80,000–150,000 km.
What to check. Check for engine warning lights; ask for AdBlue service history; run a diagnostic scan for SCR/NOx codes (e.g., P20EE).
Reported on: araclo.com
Found with a diagnostic scan
The R9M 1.6 dCi engine can suffer premature high-pressure fuel pump failure. This is an expensive component that can cause drivability issues or leave you stranded. Specific symptoms and failure mileage are not detailed, but the risk is real and not easily detected in a standard inspection.
What to check. Check for engine fault codes related to fuel pressure (e.g., P0087, P0088, P0191). Listen for a whining noise from the fuel pump area. Ask for service history showing regular fuel filter changes, as contaminated fuel can damage the HPFP.
Reported on: araclo.com
Found by looking
Condensation water from the intercooler causes connecting rod failures, especially with short oil change intervals and frequent short trips.
What to check. Listen for loud knocking noises. Check for oil pressure loss or sudden engine stalls. Verify oil change history.
Reported on: what-breaks.com
Rückruf wegen Brandgefahr durch defekte Kraftstoffleitung (November 2018–Juni 2019). Ein schwerwiegendes Sicherheitsrisiko.
What to check. Kraftstoffleitungen auf Risse oder Undichtigkeiten prüfen, besonders bei Fahrzeugen aus dem Rückrufzeitraum.
Reported on: what-breaks.com
The R9M engine can develop cracks where the oil return and water cooling passages are adjacent, allowing oil and coolant to mix. This leads to overheating and potential engine failure if not caught early. It is a specific, high-consequence failure for this engine code.
What to check. Check the oil filler cap and dipstick for mayonnaise-like sludge indicating coolant contamination. Inspect the coolant reservoir for oil streaks or a brownish tint. Look for bubbles in the coolant at idle. Consider a cooling system pressure test to detect internal leaks.
Reported on: youtube.com
Found by looking
The R9M engine's thermostat and water pump can fail prematurely, potentially causing overheating and expensive engine damage. This is a known issue specific to this engine, not a generic problem. A buyer should check for signs of coolant leaks or overheating and ask about service history.
What to check. Check coolant level and condition, look for leaks around the water pump and thermostat housing, and inspect for any overheating evidence. Ask whether the thermostat or water pump has been replaced.
Reported on: araclo.com
Shown by the service history
The R9M engine can suffer premature wear of the timing belt tensioner and idler bearings. If ignored, the belt may slip and cause catastrophic engine damage. Replacing the belt and tensioner at the recommended interval is critical.
What to check. Listen for unusual noise from the timing belt area during a test drive. Check maintenance records for proof of timing belt and tensioner replacement within the specified interval (100,000–130,000 km or 5 years). If in doubt, budget for immediate replacement.
Reported on: araclo.com
Found with a diagnostic scan
Timing chain stretches prematurely (~140,000–150,000 km), risking valve contact and catastrophic engine failure despite a claimed 250,000 km lifespan.
What to check. Listen for rattling noises on cold start or harsh engine noise. Check for engine warning lights.
Reported on: what-breaks.com
Found with a diagnostic scan
The R9M 1.6 dCi turbocharger can wear prematurely if oil changes are missed or the car is used mostly for short trips. This leads to oil leaks, smoke, power loss, and whistling. Check service history and signs of turbo trouble.
What to check. Ask for proof of oil changes at correct intervals. At viewing, start cold and warm-up, listen for turbo whistle, check exhaust smoke (blue/black) and oil leaks around turbo area. If possible, have a mechanic check turbo shaft play.
Reported on: araclo.com
Found with a diagnostic scan
EGR cooler cracks allow coolant into the intake system, causing power loss and potential engine damage from water ingestion.
What to check. Check for coolant loss without visible leaks, white smoke, or exhaust smells in the cabin.
Reported on: what-breaks.com
Found with a diagnostic scan
The EGR valve on the R9M 1.6 dCi engine is known to clog with soot and carbon, especially in city driving, leading to rough idle, power loss, warning lights, and excessive smoke. This typically occurs between 60,000 and 120,000 km and is a chronic weakness buyers should be aware of.
What to check. During a test drive, check for rough idle, warning lights, and excessive smoke. Ask for service history regarding EGR cleaning or replacement. Consider an OBD scan for EGR-related codes such as P0401 or P0402. Inspect the EGR valve if accessible, though removal may be needed.
Reported on: araclo.com
Found with a diagnostic scan
EGR-Ventil verschmutzt bereits ab 11.000 km, was zu Leistungsverlust und weiteren Emissionsproblemen führt.
What to check. EGR-Ventil auf Verschmutzung prüfen, ggf. reinigen oder ersetzen. Emissionswerte und Motorleistung kontrollieren.
Reported on: what-breaks.com
Found with a diagnostic scan
The R9M engine's injectors can develop internal leakage as they age, increasing fuel return flow. This causes hard cold starts, white exhaust smoke, and rough idling. A simple injector return-flow test can identify the problem.
What to check. At the viewing, ask for injector return flow test results. Check for white smoke on cold start and rough idle. If the car has over 100,000 km, request an injector return flow measurement before purchase.
Reported on: araclo.com
Recall on 160 hp versions due to timing cover leaks, with potential for severe engine failure if unaddressed.
What to check. Verify recall status for 160 hp R9M models. Check for oil leaks around the timing cover.
Reported on: what-breaks.com
Found with a diagnostic scan
The EGR system recirculates exhaust gases containing soot and oil vapor, which coat the intake manifold and valve backs over time. This buildup narrows the airflow passages, reducing engine performance and potentially causing rough running. It is a chronic issue on this engine, often occurring with higher mileage.
What to check. At viewing, check for DTC codes like P0401 (EGR insufficient flow) or P2002 (Diesel Particulate Filter efficiency), and look for symptoms such as rough idle, reduced power, or soot in the exhaust. Ask if the EGR system or intake has ever been cleaned; no cleaning history at high mileage raises risk.
Reported on: araclo.com
Kriko reads a listing and tells you which of these apply to that exact product. It runs on your computer, needs no account and is free.
These reports come from the pages linked under each item: owner forums, repair guides and workshops. They are not a diagnosis of any one unit, and a careful check of the one you are buying still applies.
Text from the Kriko Cars catalog, version 0.1.4, under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 license.
