Engine Code

DACIA K9K898 engine (2012-2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Dacia K9K 898 is a 1,461 cc, inline-four diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2020. It belongs to the Renault-Nissan K9K dCi engine family, designed for durability and fuel efficiency in high-utilisation vehicles. This SOHC, 8-valve unit features common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 66 kW (90 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm. Its robust design and low running costs made it ideal for urban and regional applications.

Fitted primarily to the Dacia Sandero and Logan, as well as the Duster, the K9K 898 was engineered for affordability and ease of maintenance in cost-sensitive markets. It meets Euro 5 emissions standards through the use of a diesel particulate filter (DPF), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and oxidation catalyst. The engine’s transverse front-wheel-drive layout enables shared architecture with Renault and Nissan platforms, ensuring parts commonality and simplified service procedures across the alliance.

One documented concern is EGR valve coking under prolonged low-load operation, particularly in stop-start urban driving. This issue, highlighted in Renault Service Information Bulletin SIB 058/2013, can lead to rough idle, reduced power, and DPF regeneration failure. From 2015, revised EGR valve coatings and updated ECU mapping were introduced to reduce deposit formation and improve idle stability.

Dacia Engine
Compliance Note:

All K9K 898 units comply with Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).

K9K898 Technical Specifications

The Dacia K9K 898 is a 1,461 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine developed for budget-oriented vehicles (2012–2020). It combines common rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances durability with cost-effective ownership in high-utilisation environments.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,461 cc
Fuel typeDiesel (EN 590 compliant)
ConfigurationInline-4, SOHC, 8-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke76.0 mm × 80.5 mm
Power output66 kW (90 PS) @ 4,000 rpm
Torque200 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
Fuel systemBosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 1,600 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5
Compression ratio16.7:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerSingle variable-geometry turbo (IHI RHF4)
Timing systemTiming belt (replace every 120,000 km)
Oil typeSAE 5W-30 (ACEA B4)
Dry weight115 kg
Practical Implications

The variable geometry turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving and load-carrying but requires consistent use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent high-pressure pump and injector damage. SAE 5W-30 oil meeting ACEA B4 standards is essential for turbo and pump longevity, with 15,000 km service intervals recommended. The timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km as the engine is interference-type; failure risks valve/piston contact. The DPF system requires regular highway runs to enable passive regeneration; frequent short trips may lead to clogging and limp mode. Post-2015 models benefit from revised ECU mapping and EGR valve coatings, improving idle stability and reducing maintenance frequency.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30 (ACEA B4) specification (Renault SIB 058/2013). Compatible with low-SAPS formulations meeting B4 criteria.

Emissions: Certified to Euro 5 standards across all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No Euro 4 variant of K9K 898 exists.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across markets due to conservative tuning for fuel flexibility (Renault TIS Doc. M01-1230).

Primary Sources

Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M01-1230, R12-4601, SIB 058/2013

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption and range

K9K898 Compatible Models

The Dacia K9K 898 was used across Dacia's Sandero/Logan platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Renault and Nissan global models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the Sandero and revised exhaust routing in the Duster-and from 2015 the facelifted Sandero Stepway adopted updated ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Renault's Clio IV and Nissan's Micra to use identical K9K units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Dacia
Years:
2012-2020
Models:
Sandero
Variants:
1.5 dCi
View Source
Renault Group PT-2018
Make:
Dacia
Years:
2012-2020
Models:
Logan
Variants:
1.5 dCi
View Source
Renault Group PT-2018
Make:
Dacia
Years:
2012-2020
Models:
Duster
Variants:
1.5 dCi
View Source
Renault TIS Doc. M01-1230
Make:
Renault
Years:
2012-2019
Models:
Clio IV
Variants:
1.5 dCi
View Source
Renault ETK Doc. R12-4601
Make:
Nissan
Years:
2017-2022
Models:
Micra
Variants:
1.5 dCi
View Source
Nissan EPC #NIS-912
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Renault TIS M01-1235). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('K' for K9K 898). Pre-2015 models have a silver valve cover with black timing cover; post-2015 units use an all-black cover. Critical differentiation from K9K 792: K9K 898 has a higher torque output (200 Nm vs 160 Nm), Euro 5 compliance, and revised ECU calibration. Service parts require model-year verification - timing belts for pre-2015 Sandero models are incompatible with post-2017 Duster applications due to tensioner design differences (Renault SIB 061/2014).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Renault TIS Doc. M01-1235

Location:

Stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Renault TIS M01-1235).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2015: Silver valve cover with black timing cover
  • Post-2015: All-black valve cover, revised ECU housing
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Renault SIB 061/2014

E C U Variants:

K9K 898 uses Siemens SID803A ECU pre-2015; post-2015 models use SID803B with improved EGR control logic.

Timing Components:

Timing belts and tensioners for pre-2015 Sandero models are not compatible with post-2017 Duster units due to revised tensioner geometry and belt routing (Renault SIB 061/2014).
EGR System Maintenance

Issue:

EGR valve coking is a known failure mode under prolonged low-load operation or poor-quality oil.

Evidence:

Renault SIB 058/2013

Recommendation:

Clean or replace EGR valve if idle instability occurs; inspect cooler for leaks and perform ECU adaptation reset per TIS procedure (Renault SIB 058/2013).

Common Reliability Issues - DACIA K9K898

The K9K 898's primary reliability risk is EGR valve coking on high-mileage units, with elevated incidence in regions with frequent short trips and stop-start traffic. Renault internal quality reports from 2014 indicated a measurable failure rate in pre-2015 engines exceeding 100,000 km, while VCA MOT data shows emissions system neglect as a top cause of drivability issues in Dacia diesel models. Infrequent oil changes and extended timing belt intervals increase mechanical and fuel system stress, making adherence to service schedules critical.

EGR valve sticking or coking
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, black smoke, EGR-related DTCs, failed emissions test.
Cause: Carbon buildup from prolonged low-load operation or poor-quality oil; EGR cooler failure increases deposit formation.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR valve; inspect cooler for leaks; renew vacuum lines and perform ECU adaptation reset per TIS procedure.
Timing belt failure
Symptoms: Engine won't start, rattling noise, bent valves, zero compression.
Cause: Belt degradation beyond 120,000 km or 8 years; tensioner wear; oil contamination from front crank seal leak.
Fix: Replace timing belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump per Renault SIB 058/2013. Verify cam/crank alignment after installation.
DPF clogging or regeneration failure
Symptoms: Limp mode, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, DPF warning light, excessive soot in oil.
Cause: Frequent short trips prevent passive regeneration; faulty EGR valve or pressure sensors disrupt active cycles.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostic tool; clean or replace DPF if >70% full; inspect EGR and differential pressure sensors.
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear
Symptoms: Hard starting, loss of power, excessive smoke, fuel pressure DTCs, complete no-start condition.
Cause: Wear in Bosch CRS 2-20 pump due to contaminated or low-lubricity diesel; inadequate fuel filter maintenance accelerates wear.
Fix: Replace HPFP with latest OEM part; renew fuel filter and inspect injectors for contamination per service bulletin.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2013-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about DACIA K9K898

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DACIA K9K898.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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