Log inCheck a car
Known Faults Database

Renault Clio problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Renault Clio, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 9 known faults for this model, 8 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

Free advert check

Found a Renault Clio for sale?

Paste the advert and we read it against these 9 known faults, its MOT history and the DVLA record, and tell you what the seller has not. Free, about a minute, no card.

Check a Renault Clio advert (free) →
Works with any listing: paste the text from AutoTrader, Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or a dealer’s own site.

Is the Renault Clio reliable?

The Renault Clio has 9 known faults in our database across 3 generations, 8 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (the timing chain tensioner on the 0.9 TCe petrol can fail, letting the chain flail) and engine (undersized piston rings causing excessive oil consumption). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Renault Clio years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Clio II, 1998 to 20073 high severity
3 known faults, the serious ones in the engine, gearbox, bodywork and trim
Clio III, 2005 to 20122 high severity
2 known faults, the serious ones in the fuel system, engine
Clio IV, 2013 to 20193 high severity
4 known faults, the serious ones in the engine, gearbox

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2013 to 2014, 0.9 TCe (H4Bt): the timing chain tensioner on the 0.9 TCe petrol can fail
  • 2012 to 2018, 1.2 TCe (H5Ft): undersized piston rings causing excessive oil consumption
  • 2001 to 2010, 1.5 dCi (K9K - Delphi systems): delphi high-pressure fuel pump breaks down internally
  • 2010 to 2020, EDC dual-clutch automatic only: Megane from 2010, Clio IV and Captur from 2013. Earlier Clio automatics are conventional torque-converter gearboxes and are not covered: EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission juddering and TCM
  • 2001 to 2007, 1.5 dCi (K9K): the EGR valve on the 1.5 dCi engine can stick in the closed position
  • 1998 to 2007, Manual transmissions: manual transmissions are prone to wearing their top casing

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 33 known faults · 1 good note

Renault Clio II (1998 to 2007) problems

OtherHigh severity📝 Editorial

The plastic secondary bonnet catch can fail, allowing the bonnet to fly open over the windscreen if the primary catch pops open. This was a frequently exposed issue on BBC Watchdog, leading to a Renault reassurance plan for Clio II owners.

Rough guide
£0 (free check/repair by Renault)

Typical symptoms

  • Bonnet popping open at speed
  • Bonnet flying over the windscreen
  • Loose or stiff bonnet release mechanism

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
Any miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

The EGR valve on the 1.5 dCi engine can stick in the closed position, leading to increased exhaust gas temperatures. This can cause turbocharger bearing failure and allow engine oil into the induction system, potentially leading to engine runaway or catastrophic failure. Sticking in the open position causes rough running.

Rough guide
£Unknown

Typical symptoms

  • Loss of turbo boost or power
  • Excessive smoke from the exhaust
  • Engine running rough or erratic idle
  • Engine runaway (in severe cases)

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.5 dCi (K9K)
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

Manual transmissions are prone to wearing their top casing, which can necessitate a rebuild after 3-4 years and around 18,000 miles. This indicates premature wear of internal components.

Rough guide
£800-1500

Typical symptoms

  • Difficulty selecting gears
  • Grinding noises during gear changes
  • Excessive play in the gear lever
  • Whining or rumbling from the gearbox

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Manual transmissions
Typical mileage:
18000-50000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners like about the Clio II

1 note
  • This model achieved a commendable four-star safety assessment in Euro NCAP crash tests, demonstrating robust occupant protection.
End of the Clio II section.Pick another year ↑Check a Renault Clio advert →
Generation 2 of 32 known faults · 13 owner reports · 3 good notes

Renault Clio III (2005 to 2012) problems

Fuel SystemHigh severity📝 Editorial

Delphi high-pressure fuel pump breaks down internally, sending metal swarf throughout the entire fuel system

Rough guide
£1500-3000

Typical symptoms

  • flashing glow plug or engine management light
  • engine misfires or stalls
  • non-start
  • metallic glitter in the fuel filter

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.5 dCi (K9K - Delphi systems)
Typical mileage:
60000-120000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • January 2014An injection pump failed on a 2009 Clio GT diesel at 40,000 miles, causing consequential damage to the injectors, with a repair quote of £3,844.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

A serious valve cotter fault on 1.2 engines (both normally aspirated and TCe turbo) built between 17/09/2010 and 30/11/2010 could lead to catastrophic engine destruction. This was subject to a recall (R/2011/118).

Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)

Typical symptoms

  • Sudden engine failure
  • Loud metallic noises from the engine
  • Engine refusing to start
  • Loss of power

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.2 (normally aspirated and TCe turbo engines)
Typical mileage:
Any miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the Clio III

13 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Bodywork · February 2019A 2006 Renault Clio experienced a sunroof failure, preventing it from opening correctly.
  • Electrics · November 2017A 2010 Clio Sport Tourer experienced erratic operation of both front electric windows, which would not open or close smoothly.
  • Engine · June 2017The timing belt on a 2010 Clio RenaultSport Gordini failed at 24,000 miles, causing catastrophic engine damage and requiring a new engine.
  • Engine · February 2017A 2011 Renault Clio 1.2 with 63,000 miles consumed excessive oil, using a litre every 350 miles, leading to sooted combustion chambers.
  • Suspension and steering · August 2016A rear coil spring on a 2012 Renault Clio failed at 15,000 miles; the dealer quoted £291.32 for replacement, with Renault contributing 60%.
  • Electrics · January 2016A leaking sunroof on a Renault Clio caused smoke from the steering column and the horn to sound, requiring airbag and horn replacement for £281.
  • Bodywork · January 2016A leaking sunroof caused smoke from the steering column and the horn to sound, requiring airbag and horn replacement for £281.
  • Fuel system · September 2015Renault was unable to supply fuel filters for a 2012 Clio 1.5 dCi due to a supplier dispute, with no alternative available.
  • Electrics · August 2015A 2009 Clio required two replacement wiper motors because blocked bulkhead vent drains caused the motors to become submerged in rainwater.
  • Gearbox and clutch · November 2014A servo valve failed in the automatic gearbox of a 2010 Renault Clio 1.6 automatic at 42,000 miles, costing £600 to repair.
  • Engine · September 2013A 1.2 TCe Clio purchased in November 2012 experienced catastrophic and repeated oil seal failures.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2013The transmission of a three-year-old Clio Sport failed at 38,000 miles; Renault offered to pay 50% of the £2,800 replacement cost.
  • Bodywork · March 2011The wiper arms rub against the bonnet's trailing edge when pulled out for cleaning, removing paint from the contact area.

What owners like about the Clio III

3 notes
  • The Clio was rated the fifth most reliable European car aged 3 to 7 years in a 2011 survey, with a low average repair cost.
  • The Clio proved to be an economical vehicle, offering low running costs and good fuel efficiency for owners.
  • The 2009 Clio hatchback and estate models feature rigorous build quality, making them among the most reliable cars in their class.
End of the Clio III section.Pick another year ↑Check a Renault Clio advert →
Generation 3 of 34 known faults · 7 owner reports · 7 good notes

Renault Clio IV (2013 to 2019) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Undersized piston rings causing excessive oil consumption, leading to timing chain stretch and engine failure

Rough guide
£2000-4500

Typical symptoms

  • frequent low oil warnings
  • rattling noise from timing chain
  • black smoke from exhaust
  • loss of compression and misfires

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.2 TCe (H5Ft)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission juddering and TCM (Transmission Control Module) failure

Rough guide
£Unknown

Typical symptoms

  • severe juddering when pulling away
  • gearbox warning light
  • loss of drive or stuck in gear

Affected vehicles

Engines:
EDC dual-clutch automatic only: Megane from 2010, Clio IV and Captur from 2013. Earlier Clio automatics are conventional torque-converter gearboxes and are not covered
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2017 to 2018

The timing chain tensioner on the 0.9 TCe petrol can fail, letting the chain flail and damage the engine. Three owners reported it on 2013 and 2014 cars at 36,500 to 64,000 miles: one engine needed replacing and another had about 1,000 pounds of damage. Later Clio IVs use the same engine, but there are no reports on them, so whether they are affected is unknown.

Typical symptoms

  • Loud rattling or grinding noise from the engine, especially on cold start
  • Engine warning light illuminated
  • Loss of engine power
  • Catastrophic engine failure

Affected vehicles

Engines:
0.9 TCe (H4Bt)
Typical mileage:
36000-64000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
ElectricalMedium severity💬 4 owner reports, 2017 to 2018

TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) sensors are prone to developing slow leaks and repeated failures, often due to corrosion at the valve port hole on the alloy wheels. This can lead to persistent warning lights and costly replacements.

Rough guide
£200-1000

Typical symptoms

  • Persistent TPMS warning light on the dashboard
  • Slow tyre deflation despite no visible puncture
  • Repeated TPMS sensor replacements

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All variants with TPMS
Typical mileage:
20000-60000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the Clio IV

7 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Electrics · November 2019A 2017 Renault Clio experienced locking problems in the rain, with lights on and wipers running, possibly due to moisture in the ECU.
  • Engine · August 2019A Renault Clio 90 TCe experienced a blown head gasket, indicating a significant engine issue.
  • Cooling · May 2019A 2014 Clio 1.5 dCI, having covered 32,000 miles, experienced oil contamination within its engine cooling system.
  • Gearbox and clutch · April 2019A 2017 Renault Clio 1.2 16v 75HP model developed a judder from its clutch, possibly indicating a release bearing issue.
  • Gearbox and clutch · April 2019A 2014 Renault Clio with 11,500 miles was "jerking" when reversing, with the dealer suggesting a new gearbox.
  • Interior · November 2018A 2013 Clio Dynamique MediaNav experienced air conditioning failure; Renault admitted a manufacturing fault and paid 45% of the repair cost.
  • Engine · July 2017A 2014 Clio 0.9 TCe experienced stuttering from cold and jerky acceleration, with the turbo engaging abruptly, despite dealer checks.

What owners like about the Clio IV

7 notes
  • The Clio achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with high scores for adult and child occupant protection.
  • This Clio model demonstrates impressive handling characteristics and provides excellent grip on the road.
  • This version of the Clio features improved refinement and a more comfortable ride compared to its predecessor.
  • The 220 Trophy model, equipped with 18-inch Michelin Pilot SuperSports, offers vastly improved performance.
  • The interior of this model is significantly improved compared to the previous version.
  • The Clio achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with excellent protection for adult and child occupants.
  • The cabin is well built, offers plenty of space in the front, and includes a very generous boot.
End of the Clio IV section.Pick another year ↑Check a Renault Clio advert →

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 26 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Renault Clio advert and we check it in seconds.

Check an advert now (free) →
Free report, no credit card required.

Renault Clio recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 10 DVSA recalls for the Clio, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ March 2026Cars built October 2025 to October 2025

Front lower arm Bolts

For certain vehicles and as a preventative measure there is concern involving the locking nuts in the area of the front suspension lower arm ball joints for where loosening of the fixings cannot be ruled out.

Put right by: Check of the tightening of the front suspension lower arm ball joint nuts and if necessary replace both nuts

DVSA R/2026/09643 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2020Cars built June 2019 to October 2019

'power steering failure' message displayed on dashboard

The message power steering failure displayed on the vehicles dashboard and a down grading of the power steering assistance

Put right by: The steering column will be replaced

DVSA R/2020/02372 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2017Cars built November 2012 to July 2015

Wipers may not perform as intended

In sub-zero weather conditions the front windscreen blades arms may become frozen to the screen. In extreme circumstances when the wipers are activated the wiper arm linkage may weaken detach or bend. Should the linkage break or bend the wipers will not clear the screen effectively.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the wiper linkage with a more robustly designed linkage.

DVSA R/2016/19268,552 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2016Cars built February 2016 to February 2016

Rear wheel may detach

One of the rear axle bolts retaining the stub axle carrier on the left and/or right side may not have been correctly tightened.This could allow the stub axle to separate from it's mounting.

Put right by: On affected vehicles check bolt tightness. If necessary or if bolt(s) is/are missing replace the axle assembly.

DVSA R/2016/281415 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2016Cars built April 2015 to November 2015

Wheel may detached

The wheel retaining nuts may not have been tightened top the correct specification during assembly.

Put right by: Recall affected vehicles; Check and if necessary tighten wheel nuts to correct specification.

DVSA R/2016/010418 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2016Cars built January 2013 to December 2015

Rear spoiler may detach

The rear spoiler may detach at high speed due to high variance in temperature change. This is a result of a non-conformity with the production process.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected for inspection and where necessary rebonding.

DVSA R/2016/0151,096 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2015Cars built March 2013 to April 2015

Reduction in braking performance

It is possible that the front wheel liners have been incorrectly positioned giving potential for them to rub against the front brake hoses. This in turn could in rare circumstances cause increased brake pedal travel and affect the braking efficiency of the vehicle. This issue may be highlighted by a warning message Braking system fault and a warning light on the dashboard.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and inspect the front wheel arch liners and brake hoses. If they are found to be incorrectly positioned they will be replaced free of charge.

DVSA R/2015/13649,748 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2015Cars built April 2013 to April 2014

Fuel may leak

A fuel leak could occur at the fuel pressure sensor to injector rail seal due to a non conformance of production methods. If the leak occurs a smell will be noticed by the occupants of the vehicle.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and re-tighten the fuel pressure sensor to a specified higher torque value.

DVSA R/2015/053383 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2014Cars built November 2012 to July 2014

Braking efficiency may be reduced

The protectors for the front brake hoses may have been fitted incorrectly which could in the worst case scenario lead to a reduction in braking efficiency. If there is leakage of brake fluid the warning lamp will illuminate and more effort will have to be applied to the brakes to stop in good time. Additionally there is a possibility that brake fluid may leak from the rear brake cylinders with the same effects as above.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the front brake hoses and protectors. Where necessary reposition or replace the protectors and brake hoses. Replace the fixing dome caps that retain the rear brake shoes to the back plate.

DVSA R/2014/08620,545 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2013

Potential loss of control

As a result of certain front suspension mounting bolts being over tightened at the factory the front suspension could fail and loss of vehicle control could occur.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the front struts and mounting bolts.

DVSA R/2013/0333 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Renault Clio cambelt or timing chain, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Clio. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
1.5 DCI, K9K
72,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first

The K9K schedule is 72,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Intervals vary by variant, with catalogue figures of 150,000 km / 6 years quoted for the Clio 4 with DPF, so the shorter 72,000 miles / 5 years is recorded. The water pump, tensioners and idler pulleys must be replaced simultaneously.

Timing chainChain
1.2 TCE, H5FT
No fixed replacement interval

Chain driven, and known for stretching. The cause is low oil pressure, fuel dilution of the oil and a clogged chain-lubrication oil jet, all made worse by the engine's notorious excessive oil consumption. Replace as a full kit rather than a chain alone.

EDC dual-clutch gearbox oil
6DCT250, DC4
50,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first

Renault markets the dry-clutch EDC as sealed for life, but specialists advise an oil change roughly every 80,000-120,000 km (50,000-75,000 miles) or 5-7 years; the shorter end is recorded. The oil degrades and accumulates metallic wear particles, so service sooner on hard or town use.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026

Renault Clio buying questions

What are the most common Renault Clio problems?

Three stand out. Engine: the timing chain tensioner on the 0.9 TCe petrol can fail, letting the chain flail (typically 36000 to 64000 miles). Engine: undersized piston rings causing excessive oil consumption, leading to timing chain stretch (typically 40000 to 80000 miles). Fuel system: delphi high-pressure fuel pump breaks down internally (typically 60000 to 120000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Renault Clio years should I avoid?

No Renault Clio year is a write-off, but the Clio II (1998 to 2007) carries the most serious faults: engine, gearbox and bodywork and trim. The Clio IV (2013 to 2019) and Clio III (2005 to 2012) have high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Renault Clio?

Ask the seller about the engine and fuel system faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for loud rattling or grinding noise from the engine, especially on cold start, frequent low oil warnings and flashing glow plug or engine management light. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 9 known faults before you travel. Check a Renault Clio advert →

Are there any recalls on the Renault Clio?

The DVSA lists 10 safety recalls for the Renault Clio issued between 2013 and 2026. The most recent, from March 2026, is "Front lower arm Bolts". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Renault Clio?

Owners report 48.7 mpg on average across the Renault Clio engines with data, about 81% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 2,255 owner submissions. Renault Clio Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Renault Clio right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Renault Clio fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Renault Clio owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Renault Clio goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min readHPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min readMOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read
All buyer's guides →

Other Renault models

Trafic6 known faultsMegane3 known faultsScenic2 known faults