If you are considering buying a used Renault Clio, there are several major reliability issues 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.
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Generation 1 of 34 known faults · 2 owner reports · 2 good notes
Renault Clio Mk2 (1998 to 2007) 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.
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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
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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
£1000-2500
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:
60000-100000 miles
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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
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What owners report on the Mk2
2 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 · 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.
What owners like about the Mk2
2 notes
This model achieved a commendable four-star safety assessment in Euro NCAP crash tests, demonstrating robust occupant protection.
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.
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
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Generation 3 of 34 known faults · 18 owner reports · 9 good notes
Renault Clio Mk4 (2012 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
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial
EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission juddering and TCM (Transmission Control Module) failure
Rough guide
£1000-2500
Typical symptoms
severe juddering when pulling away
gearbox warning light
loss of drive or stuck in gear
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All EDC Automatics
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2017 to 2018
The timing chain tensioner on the 0.9 TCe engine can fail, allowing the chain to flail and damage the crankcase, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Multiple reports indicate this can occur at relatively low mileages.
Rough guide
£3000-7000
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
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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
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What owners report on the Mk4
18 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.
Electrics · November 2017A 2010 Clio Sport Tourer experienced erratic operation of both front electric windows, which would not open or close smoothly.
Engine · July 2017A 2014 Clio 0.9 TCe experienced stuttering from cold and jerky acceleration, with the turbo engaging abruptly, despite dealer checks.
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%.
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 Mk4
9 notes
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.
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.
Renault Clio service intervals: cambelt, chain and gearbox oil
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
Is a used 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 engine can fail) and engine (a serious valve cotter fault on 1.2 engines (both normally aspirated). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
What are the most common Renault Clio problems?
Three stand out. Engine: the timing chain tensioner on the 0.9 TCe engine can fail, allowing the chain to flail (typically 36000 to 64000 miles). Engine: a serious valve cotter fault on 1.2 engines (both normally aspirated. Engine: undersized piston rings causing excessive oil consumption, leading to timing chain stretch (typically 40000 to 80000 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 Mk2 (1998 to 2007) carries the most serious faults: fuel system, engine, gearbox and bodywork and trim. The Mk4 (2012 to 2019) and Mk3 (2010) 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 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, sudden engine failure and frequent low oil warnings. 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 →
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 →
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.
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.