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Top issues
10 known problems · 1 high
high
Coolant T-piece failure / overheating (recall)
All engines
medium
Electrical and infotainment glitches
All engines
medium
Water ingress into cabin / engine bay
All engines
Recalls
1 on recordREC-006141
2024-10-28
Defect: Due to a manufacturing defect, the T-piece connector in the coolant pipes may fail, which could lead to a coolant fluid leak.
Hazard: Coolant loss could cause the engine to overheat, resulting in stalling and a loss of motive power while driving.
Remedy: Contact an authorised LDV dealer to have the work carried out free of charge.
Affected: 4,785 units, D90 2017-2024 (all variants)
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
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Before and after
Before: None (LDV's first large body-on-frame SUV in Australia)
After: LDV D90 facelift / 2.0T petrol-only D90 (2022-) and the larger Maxus-based wagons
Price (AUD)
$18k-$38k
Body styles
5-door wagon (7-seat)
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive (2WD), Part-time 4WD (BorgWarner transfer case, dual-range, electronic rear diff lock on 4WD grades)
Origin
China
Built in
China (Wuxi, Jiangsu - SAIC Maxus)
Overview
LDV's value-priced, body-on-frame 7-seat wagon, built by SAIC on the same ladder-frame architecture as the T60 ute. Launched in Australia in November 2017 in 2WD (RWD) and selectable part-time 4WD form, sold as Mode, Deluxe, Luxe and later Executive grades. At launch the ONLY engine was the SAIC 20L4E 2.0L turbo-petrol (165kW/350Nm, 6-speed auto); the much torquier 2.0L SC20 bi-turbo diesel (160kW/480Nm, ZF 8-speed auto) arrived in April 2020 and lifted braked towing from 2000kg to ~3100kg. 4WD grades get a BorgWarner transfer case with high/low range and an electronically-locking rear diff, so it is genuinely capable off-road for the money. The trade-offs are classic budget-Chinese: built to a price with patchy fit/finish, jerky throttle/transmission calibration on the petrol, a documented coolant T-piece recall that can cause overheating, smart-alternator/battery niggles, electrical and infotainment glitches, and mixed dealer support. A lot of value and space per dollar, but go in with eyes open and budget for fixes - hence the warning rating. Verify recall completion and service history before buying.
Engines & variants
2.0L 20L4E turbo petrol
Engine
2.0L SAIC turbocharged direct-injection DOHC petrol I4 (TGI, dual VVT, twin-scroll turbo)
Engine code
20L4E
Config
I4 turbo petrol
Displacement
1969cc
Power
165kW @ 5500rpm
Torque
350Nm @ 1700-4400rpm
Drivetrain
RWD (2WD) or part-time 4WD (dual-range, rear diff lock)
0–100
~10s
Economy
9.5-13 L/100km real world (worse loaded/towing)
Tow (braked)
2000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Cheap entry into a large body-on-frame 7-seat wagon
- Smooth, quiet petrol with no DPF/diesel after-treatment hassle
- 4WD grades get low range and an electronic rear diff lock
- Plenty of cabin space and equipment for the money
- Simpler and cheaper to service than the diesel
Cons
- Noticeable throttle/transmission lag - a 1-2s delay off the mark
- Only 2000kg braked tow - well short of the diesel's 3100kg
- Thirsty for a 2.0L when the heavy body is loaded
- Modest torque for a 2-tonne-plus wagon, struggles on hills loaded
- Built to a price - fit/finish and trim durability are average
Known problems
high
Coolant T-piece failure / overheating (recall)
A brittle plastic coolant T-piece connector can crack and dump coolant, causing rapid overheating and, worst case, a warped cylinder head. LDV issued a recall covering several thousand D90s for this defect.
Fix: Confirm the recall has been completed; many owners pre-emptively fit an upgraded metal/reinforced T-piece. Stop immediately if temp climbs.
medium
Throttle/transmission lag and jerky shifts
The petrol pairs turbo lag with a slow-reacting auto calibration, giving a hesitant 1-2s delay off the line and jerky low-speed shifts. It is a calibration trait rather than a hard fault, but it bothers many owners.
Fix: Aftermarket throttle controller or software tune sharpens response; otherwise drive around it.
medium
Smart-alternator / flat battery on short trips
The smart (variable-output) charging system can undercharge on short urban trips, leading to flat batteries and intermittent electrical glitches. Some owners have replaced alternators and batteries early.
Fix: Quality battery sized correctly, periodic full charge, and check charging system; replace alternator if output is faulty.
2.0L SC20 bi-turbo diesel
Engine
2.0L SAIC common-rail bi-turbo (sequential twin-turbo) DOHC diesel I4 with DPF
Engine code
SC20M163
Config
I4 sequential twin-turbo diesel
Displacement
1996cc
Power
160kW @ 4000rpm
Torque
480Nm @ 1500-2400rpm
Drivetrain
Part-time 4WD (dual-range, rear diff lock)
0–100
~9.5s
Economy
8.9-12 L/100km depending on load
Tow (braked)
3100kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
8AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Strong 480Nm - far better tow and load engine than the petrol
- 3100kg braked tow makes it a credible family tow rig
- Smooth ZF-derived 8-speed auto suits the torque
- Better real-world economy than the petrol when loaded
- Genuine off-road hardware (low range, rear locker) at a low price
Cons
- DPF dislikes short urban trips - regen and soot-loading risk
- Small-capacity 2.0L bi-turbo works hard towing 3 tonnes
- Modern diesel after-treatment (EGR/DPF) adds complexity and cost
- Less proven long-term durability than established Japanese diesels
- Same budget-Chinese fit/finish and dealer-support caveats
Known problems
medium
DPF clogging / forced regens on short trips
Like all modern small diesels, the SC20's DPF won't passively regenerate on short, low-speed urban running, leading to soot loading, forced regens, oil dilution and limp mode if neglected.
Fix: Regular highway runs to allow regen; address warning lights early before it cascades into turbo/EGR damage.
high
Coolant T-piece failure / overheating (recall)
The same brittle plastic coolant T-piece defect that affects the petrol applies across the D90 range; a crack dumps coolant and risks rapid overheating.
Fix: Confirm the recall is complete; consider an upgraded reinforced T-piece. Stop immediately on any temp rise.
medium
Turbo / EGR soot stress from after-treatment neglect
A heavily worked small bi-turbo towing near its 3100kg limit, combined with EGR/DPF soot, can stress the turbo(s) and EGR over time if maintenance is neglected.
Fix: Keep the after-treatment healthy, service on time, fit a catch-can to reduce intake oiling, and don't lug it fully loaded.