KNOWN FAULTS · Renault

Renault Mégane (III) common problems.

2008–2016 · Petrol / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

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15 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.6 16V (K4M) (Petrol) · 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) (Petrol) · 1.4 TCe (H4Jt) (Petrol) · 2.0 TCe RS (F4Rt) (Petrol) · 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel) · 1.6 dCi (R9M) (Diesel) · 1.9 dCi (F9Q) (Diesel) · 2.0 dCi (M9R) (Diesel)

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Engines, EGR and campaigns on the Mégane IIIKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Renault Mégane III (petrol and diesel)
Period mentioned: 2008–2016
Symptoms: Camshaft phaser on the 1.6 (K4M), stretched chain on the 1.4 TCe (H4J) and 1.2 TCe with a risk of serious failure, oil consumption, 1.9 dCi turbo, clogged EGR, juddering clutch; at the roadworthiness test, springs, shock absorbers, joints, lights and brakes.
Possible cause described: The guide recommends replacing the K4M phaser with the belt. Recalls: brake-pedal plate (10/6–15/7/2009), power-steering wiring (1/10/2009–12/3/2010) and the CC parcel shelf (up to 31/7/2013).
Check for the garage: Listen to the chain when cold (TCe), measure oil consumption, clean the EGR; check the campaigns by VIN.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Gebrauchtwagenberater: Renault Mégane III (2008–2016), typical problems

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Renault Mégane (III): known faults of the gearbox and transmission according to L'argusGearbox

Engine / equipment: Renault Mégane (III), all engines
Period mentioned: 2008–2016
Symptoms: [EDC dual-clutch] EDC gearbox clutch slip (up to 19/12/2013); [EDC dual-clutch] "Check EDC" message (up to June 2016); [EDC dual-clutch] Loss of drive with the EDC gearbox (up to 30/10/2014); [EDC dual-clutch] Loss of drive and EDC gearbox light on; [5-speed manual] Gears will not engage (5-speed manual); [manual gearbox] Hard gear changes (up to 29/08/2013)
Possible cause described: According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [EDC dual-clutch] EDC gearbox clutch slip (up to 19/12/2013): Input shaft seal, or even the clutch. 2) [EDC dual-clutch] "Check EDC" message (up to June 2016): Reprogramming. 3) [EDC dual-clutch] Loss of drive with the EDC gearbox (up to 30/10/2014): Reprogramming. 4) [EDC dual-clutch] Loss of drive and EDC gearbox light on: Reprogramming. 5) [5-speed manual] Gears will not engage (5-speed manual): Gearbox to be repaired. 6) [manual gearbox] Hard gear changes (up to 29/08/2013): Clutch slave cylinder.
Check for the garage: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

L'argus: used Renault Mégane (III) reliability guide

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Renault Mégane (III): known faults of the chassis, steering and brakes according to L'argusSuspension and steering

Engine / equipment: Renault Mégane (III), all engines
Period mentioned: 2008–2016
Symptoms: [suspension] Rear axle noise; [tyres] Tyre pressure light on (from January 2008 to March 2010)
Possible cause described: According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [suspension] Rear axle noise: Inject foam into the crossmember. 2) [tyres] Tyre pressure light on (from January 2008 to March 2010): Valves to be replaced.
Check for the garage: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

L'argus: used Renault Mégane (III) reliability guide

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Renault Mégane (III): known faults of the electronics and interior according to L'argusElectrical and electronic systems

Engine / equipment: Renault Mégane (III), all engines
Period mentioned: 2008–2016
Symptoms: [climate control] Left/right temperature difference (up to 01/04/2012); [climate control] Air conditioning fault; [electronics] Airbag light on (up to 23/02/2009); [ventilation] Ventilation faults (up to 19/03/2010); [ventilation] Ventilation jams (up to 14/04/2015); [doors and openings] Windows jam or drop (up to 16/09/2011); [multimedia] R-Link system bugs; [multimedia] Bluetooth fault (up to 09/06/2015); [sealing] Water leak at the front seats (until the end of production)
Possible cause described: According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [climate control] Left/right temperature difference (up to 01/04/2012): Climate control panel. 2) [climate control] Air conditioning fault: Condenser (up to 13/09/2012) or air distribution box (up to 11/12/2012). 3) [electronics] Airbag light on (up to 23/02/2009): Control unit. 4) [ventilation] Ventilation faults (up to 19/03/2010): Blower speed control module. 5) [ventilation] Ventilation jams (up to 14/04/2015): Control units. 6) [doors and openings] Windows jam or drop (up to 16/09/2011): Channel, seal, mechanism and glass. 7) [multimedia] R-Link system bugs: Reprogramming. 8) [multimedia] Bluetooth fault (up to 09/06/2015): R-Link update. 9) [sealing] Water leak at the front seats (until the end of production): Modify the scuttle (below the windscreen) drain pipes.
Check for the garage: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

L'argus: used Renault Mégane (III) reliability guide

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Engines: 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) (Petrol)

Renault Mégane (III) 1.2 TCe (H5Ft): known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine

Engine / equipment: 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) in the Renault Mégane (III)
Period mentioned: 2008–2016
Symptoms: Oil leak (up to 26/01/2015); Loss of power (up to 26/06/2015); Oil leak (up to 01/01/2016); Excessive oil consumption and noise (up to 11/05/2016)
Possible cause described: According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Oil leak (up to 26/01/2015): Oil separator seal and rocker cover. 2) Loss of power (up to 26/06/2015): Top dead centre sensor. 3) Oil leak (up to 01/01/2016): Camshaft phaser solenoid valve or timing cover sealing. 4) Excessive oil consumption and noise (up to 11/05/2016): Reprogramming or even short block or engine replacement.
Check for the garage: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

L'argus: used Renault Mégane (III) reliability guide

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Engines: 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) (Petrol)

Excessive oil consumption on the 1.2 TCe (H5Ft)Engine

Engine / equipment: 1.2 TCe turbo petrol (H5Ft), 115–130 hp
Period mentioned: Approx. 2012–2015
Symptoms: Oil needs topping up often; the level can reach the minimum with no warning on the dashboard. In advanced cases, timing noise, loss of power or serious engine damage.
Possible cause described: Engines built between 2012 and mid-2015 burn too much oil. Renault applied a new calibration from June 2015 and reviews repair support case by case, depending on maintenance, age and mileage.
Check for the garage: Measure oil consumption with the dipstick over several thousand km, ask the dealer for a diagnosis and the calibration update, and keep every maintenance invoice to request support.
Cost cited in the source: Variable: from an ECU update to repairing or replacing the engine; Renault decides support case by case.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

UFC-Que Choisir: the Renault 1.2 engine and the manufacturers’ position Planète Renault: H5Ft TCe 120 engine AutoTrader: how reliable is the Renault Clio IV

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Engines: 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) (Petrol)

Stretched timing chain on the 0.9 and 1.2 TCeValve timing

Engine / equipment: 0.9 TCe (H4Bt) and 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) turbo petrol
Period mentioned: Approx. 2012–2020
Symptoms: Metallic chain rattle, especially when cold or at idle; engine light with a crankshaft–camshaft correlation code; in serious cases the chain jumps and damages the valves.
Possible cause described: The chain, meant to last the engine’s life, can stretch early; tensioners and plastic guides wear, and very long oil-change intervals speed up the wear.
Check for the garage: With any chain noise or a P0016 code, diagnose straight away: measure the stretch and check the tensioner and guides before the timing jumps. Shorten oil-change intervals.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote for the chain kit.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

P0016

Sources from the original database

AutoTrader: how reliable is the Renault Clio IV CarVerif: Clio IV 0.9 TCe 90 reliability

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Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

Renault Mégane (III) 1.5 dCi (K9K): known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K) in the Renault Mégane (III)
Period mentioned: 2008–2016
Symptoms: [2.0 16V/1.5 dCi] Vibration at idle (from 01/05/2009 to 08/02/2010); Hard starting on the dCi 105, with a risk of engine failure (from September 2009 to June 2010); Timing failure; Knocking when cold (up to the end of 2010); Engine stalls (up to 24/08/2011); Injection light on (up to 12/06/2012, K9K636 engine); Hard cold starting (up to 28/05/2013); Oil leak (up to 17/07/2013); Oil leak, pressure light on, noise or even engine failure (until the end of production); [1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi] Loss of power (up to 22/07/2015); [1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi/2.0 dCi] Will not start (up to 11/06/2015)
Possible cause described: According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [2.0 16V/1.5 dCi] Vibration at idle (from 01/05/2009 to 08/02/2010): Flywheel. 2) Hard starting on the dCi 105, with a risk of engine failure (from September 2009 to June 2010): Reposition the injection pump and replace the high-pressure pipe. 3) Timing failure: Belt to be replaced on the 1.5 dCi 110 (from 01/09/2009 to 31/10/2010) and on the 1.5 dCi 85 (from 01/09/2009 to 28/02/2011), or even engine replacement. 4) Knocking when cold (up to the end of 2010): Injector high-pressure pipes. 5) Engine stalls (up to 24/08/2011): Injectors. 6) Injection light on (up to 12/06/2012, K9K636 engine): Particulate filter. 7) Hard cold starting (up to 28/05/2013): Flow actuator. 8) Oil leak (up to 17/07/2013): Turbo intercooler. 9) Oil leak, pressure light on, noise or even engine failure (until the end of production): Oil filter and pump, or even the engine. 10) [1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi] Loss of power (up to 22/07/2015): Exhaust flap. 11) [1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi/2.0 dCi] Will not start (up to 11/06/2015): Fuel pump and reprogramming.
Check for the garage: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

L'argus: used Renault Mégane (III) reliability guide

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Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

1.5 dCi timing belt or pulley failureValve timing

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K)
Period mentioned: 2009–2011
Symptoms: Noise or squeal around the belts; if the timing belt breaks, the engine stops suddenly and can be badly damaged.
Possible cause described: On 2009–2011 engines, pulleys and timing or auxiliary belts were reported to break.
Check for the garage: Keep to the timing-belt interval and always replace the full kit (belt, rollers and pulleys); check the auxiliary belt and its pulley.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a timing-kit quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Planète Renault: the 1.5 dCi, a reliable long-lived diesel

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Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

Clogged particulate filter on the 1.5 dCiExhaust and emissions

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K) with particulate filter
Period mentioned: 2010 onwards
Symptoms: Particulate-filter or emissions warning, limp mode with loss of power and frequent regenerations.
Possible cause described: The filter clogs, especially on cars that mostly make short town trips and never complete a regeneration.
Check for the garage: Read the soot load with a diagnostic tool, run a forced regeneration at the garage and check the differential-pressure sensors and EGR. Make long road trips now and then.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; from a regeneration to replacing the filter.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Planète Renault: the 1.5 dCi, a reliable long-lived diesel

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Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

EGR valve sticking with deposits on the 1.5 dCiExhaust and emissions

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K) with an electric EGR valve
Period mentioned: No specific period published
Symptoms: Uneven idle, jerks when accelerating, lack of power or the engine going into limp mode, sometimes with the engine warning light on.
Possible cause described: Soot and oil deposits leave the EGR valve stiff, stuck closed or not closing fully. According to Pierburg it is rarely a fault of the valve itself: the oil comes through the crankcase breather, a turbo with worn bearings or a blocked oil return, late oil changes or too high a level, and many short trips, above all in winter.
Check for the garage: At the workshop: read the codes with diagnostic equipment (EOBD P0400 to P0404 or P0172; Renault DF077, DF084 or DF241), test the valve electrically and its opening with the engine warm, and find where the oil comes from (breather, turbo, level). Pierburg advises against cleaning it, as it can be damaged: it is replaced if faulty, and an engine ECU update sometimes solves it.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the workshop for a quote for the EGR valve.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

P0400 P0401 P0402 P0403 P0404 P0172 DF077 DF084 DF241

Sources from the original database

MS Motorservice (Pierburg), service information SI 0085/A: sticking electric EGR valves on Renault and Opel

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Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

Applies if: Only if the injection pump is a Delphi (it says so on the pump): depending on the version, the 1.5 dCi has Delphi or Siemens/Continental.

Delphi injection on the 1.5 dCi: air in the fuel, metal swarf, regulator or injectorsInyección

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K) with Delphi common-rail injection
Period mentioned: No specific period published
Symptoms: Hard to start or will not start, stalls, loses power or jerks; sometimes air bubbles show in the clear fuel pipe.
Possible cause described: The usual faults of the K9K's Delphi system are air getting into the low-pressure circuit, metal swarf from the pump contaminating the whole system, the pump's inlet metering valve (IMV), injectors with too much return flow and the rail pressure sensor.
Check for the garage: At the workshop, in this order: look for air and leaks in the low-pressure circuit and prime it; check the fuel filter bowl for metal swarf (if there is any, the whole injection system is replaced); measure the rail pressure, the IMV regulator's resistance (4.8–5.8 Ω) and each injector's return flow (25 ml at most in the test). A new injector's code must be written into the ECU.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; it varies widely, from a filter or the regulator to the whole injection system.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Academia Auto (AutoTotal): diagnostic chart for the Delphi DCM common rail of the 1.5 dCi (K9K)

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Engines: 1.6 dCi (R9M) (Diesel)

Renault Mégane (III) 1.6 dCi (R9M): known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine

Engine / equipment: 1.6 dCi (R9M) in the Renault Mégane (III)
Period mentioned: 2008–2016
Symptoms: Engine noise and will not start (up to 01/07/2012); Fuel leak (from 24/11/2014 to 29/05/2015 or from 17/08/2015 to 11/12/2015); "Check injection" message; [1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi] Loss of power (up to 22/07/2015); [1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi/2.0 dCi] Will not start (up to 11/06/2015)
Possible cause described: According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Engine noise and will not start (up to 01/07/2012): Timing chain. 2) Fuel leak (from 24/11/2014 to 29/05/2015 or from 17/08/2015 to 11/12/2015): High-pressure pipe between the injectors and the pump to be replaced. 3) "Check injection" message: Oxygen sensor. 4) [1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi] Loss of power (up to 22/07/2015): Exhaust flap. 5) [1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi/2.0 dCi] Will not start (up to 11/06/2015): Fuel pump and reprogramming.
Check for the garage: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

L'argus: used Renault Mégane (III) reliability guide

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Engines: 2.0 dCi (M9R) (Diesel)

Renault Mégane (III) 2.0 dCi (M9R): known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine

Engine / equipment: 2.0 dCi (M9R) in the Renault Mégane (III)
Period mentioned: 2008–2016
Symptoms: Will not start (up to 11/06/2015)
Possible cause described: According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Will not start (up to 11/06/2015): Fuel pump and reprogramming.
Check for the garage: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

L'argus: used Renault Mégane (III) reliability guide

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Engines: 2.0 dCi (M9R) (Diesel)

Seized injectors and stretched chain on the 2.0 dCi (M9R)Timing / injection

Engine / equipment: 2.0 dCi (M9R) diesel with timing chain
Period mentioned: Approx. 2005–2023
Symptoms: Chain noise at high mileage; loss of power and emissions warnings in town use; injectors that will not come out when removed.
Possible cause described: The chain can stretch at high mileage, the injectors can seize in the cylinder head and, with short trips, the particulate filter and EGR clog.
Check for the garage: Listen to the chain from cold, check injection and emissions codes, and before removing injectors have extraction tools ready. Keep oil changes up to date.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Car Checker: Renault Scénic III 2.0 dCi

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Engines for this model

1.6 16V (K4M)Petrol
1.2 TCe (H5Ft)Petrol
1.4 TCe (H4Jt)Petrol
2.0 TCe RS (F4Rt)Petrol
1.5 dCi (K9K)Diesel
1.6 dCi (R9M)Diesel
1.9 dCi (F9Q)Diesel
2.0 dCi (M9R)Diesel

Describe this car's symptoms See recalls for this model Maintenance