KNOWN FAULTS · Renault

Known faults for the Renault Clio (III).

2005–2014 · Petrol / Diesel

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

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3 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.2 16V (D4F) (Petrol) · 1.2 TCe (D4Ft) (Petrol) · 1.4 / 1.6 16V (K4J / K4M) (Petrol) · 2.0 16V RS (F4R) (Petrol) · 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

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

Suspension, lights, brakes and valve collets on the Clio IIIKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Renault Clio III (petrol and diesel)
Period mentioned: 2005–2013
Symptoms: Knocks from the front axle and vague steering, broken shock absorbers, failing lights, heavy brake wear and a weak handbrake; up to 2008, flat batteries, crankshaft sensors and coils.
Possible cause described: The TÜV flags lights and suspension well above average. There were recalls: faulty valve collets on the 1.2 16V (D4F) and TCe that can wreck the engine, the automatic-gearbox torque converter and a seized A/C compressor that breaks the power-steering belt.
Check for the garage: Check the campaigns by VIN (especially the 1.2 valve one); check the front axle, lights and brakes.
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

CarWiki: known problems of the Renault Clio

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Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

1.5 dCi pump and injectors with Delphi systemInjection / turbo

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K) with early Delphi injection
Period mentioned: Approx. 2001–2011
Symptoms: Injection warning, jerking, rough idle, loss of power, smoke and sometimes a no-start.
Possible cause described: In the early years, the Delphi high-pressure pump can shed metal filings that contaminate the circuit and damage the injectors one after another.
Check for the garage: Read the codes (e.g. P0087, low rail pressure) and look for filings in the diesel filter. If the circuit is contaminated, replace pump, rail and injectors and clean the tank and lines.
Cost cited in the source: Approx. €1,800–3,500 (pump, four injectors, rail and circuit cleaning)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

P0087

Sources from the original database

CarVerif: Dacia Logan MCV 1.5 dCi 85 reliability Știință și Inginerie: study of injection faults on a Dacia Logan 1.5 dCi Planète Renault: the 1.5 dCi, a reliable long-lived diesel

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Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

1.5 dCi timing belt or pulley failureTiming system

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 for this model

1.2 16V (D4F)Petrol
1.2 TCe (D4Ft)Petrol
1.4 / 1.6 16V (K4J / K4M)Petrol
2.0 16V RS (F4R)Petrol
1.5 dCi (K9K)Diesel

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