KNOWN FAULTS · Renault

Renault Clio (III) 1.5 dCi (K9K) common problems.

2005–2014 · Diesel

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

4 known faults with sources

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.

Applies if: Only cars built from 1/7/2008 to 31/1/2009.

Sudden loss of electric power steering on the Clio III and Modus (2008–2009)Steering

Engine / equipment: Renault Clio III and Modus with electric power steering (all versions)
Period mentioned: 2008–2009
Symptoms: While driving a warning light comes on and the assistance is lost all at once: the steering wheel gets heavier and heavier at low speed.
Possible cause described: According to L'argus (July 2013), the terminals of two electronic components of the electric power steering (made by TRW) corrode for lack of protection and wear out early. It affects Clio III and Modus built from 1/7/2008 to 31/1/2009 (about 91,474 cars in France). In November 2011 Renault opened a special technical operation that replaces the steering column, only if the customer asks.
Check for the garage: Drive carefully, because without assistance you need much more force on the wheel, and ask the garage for a steering code read-out. If the visual and electronic check confirms the fault, the repair is a new steering column. A car that has already been repaired has a blue label on the front left suspension turret.
Cost cited in the source: Quotes of about €1,400–1,800 for the column; Renault paid part of the cost on cars under 5 years old or 150,000 km (in France).A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

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.

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.