EPA keeps raising the bar on diesel emissions. Historically the diesel engine has been a very reliable engine. If we have an engine issue these days, 8 times out of 10 it seems to be emission system related. PM's now require disassembly of the ERG system to clean carbon out of the sensor ports to prevent an engine degrade and other issues. We clog DPF filters around 150,000 miles (that's about 18 months) if they can bake it out great, otherwise it's around $5,000 for a new filter. Failure to Regen issues are common. While the new systems might be cleaner they add around $10,000 to the price of the semi and increase operating cost. 1995 I use to get 6.5 mpg in my old cabover with the mechanical engine. Today in the fancy EPA approved semi we still have a fleet target of 6.5 mpg and more time in the shop.
The diesel pickup truck has followed on the heals of its big brother the semi. The new engines are power houses, when they work. When they don't, the price adds up very quick. I think they still have a few bugs to work out of the system before I buy a new one.