KNOWN FAULTS · Renault

Renault Kangoo (II) 1.5 dCi (K9K) common problems.

2008–2021 · Diesel

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

5 known faults with sources

Applies if: Only Euro 6b 1.5 dCi (not the later Blue dCi), if the symptoms began after the 2024 update.

Judder and flat spots when accelerating on Euro 6b 1.5 dCi and 1.6 dCi engines after the 2024 emissions updateExhaust and emissions

Engine / equipment: Renault and Dacia Euro 6b 1.5 dCi (K9K) and 1.6 dCi (R9M)
Period mentioned: Cars that received the NOx-reduction update of early 2024
Symptoms: After a visit to the dealer, flat spots when accelerating and judder at steady speeds; sometimes higher diesel consumption. On the Mégane IV and Kadjar the engine may start and then stall.
Possible cause described: In early 2024 Renault and Dacia updated these engines to cut nitrogen oxides (NOx) further. According to an internal Renault technical note from June 2024, updated in February 2025 and reported by L'argus, the flat spots and judder are mainly due to the new strategy widening the periods when the NOx trap is cleaned (regenerated); to do so the engine injects more diesel, which also explains the higher consumption.
Check for the garage: Ask a Renault or Dacia dealer for the new injection ECU reprogramming for these symptoms (Dacia has offered it since May 2024 and Renault since January 2025). It is not a recall with a letter: you have to ask for it. First have them rule out other causes (particulate filter, boost pressure sensor).
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate: the note does not say whether the reprogramming is free; ask the dealer.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

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

Turbo, injectors, 1.2 TCe and suspension on the Kangoo IIKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Renault Kangoo II (petrol, diesel and Z.E.)
Period mentioned: 2008–2021
Symptoms: Repeated turbo and injector problems on the 1.5 dCi; oil consumption and cold-start chain rattle on the 1.2 TCe; wear of shock absorbers, springs, track rods, drive shafts and sometimes the steering box; short-lived discs and pads; interior rattles.
Possible cause described: According to the German guide, the 1.2 TCe has piston rings that let oil through and its chain can stretch; the 1.5 dCi injectors are easy to replace, the turbo needs more experience.
Check for the garage: Measure oil consumption and listen to the chain when cold (1.2 TCe); test turbo and injectors (1.5 dCi); check suspension 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.

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.

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.