P0401 on Renault
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient
P0401 on Renault vehicles indicates exhaust gas recirculation flow insufficient. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Renault models — most commonly on Captur, Clio. This code means the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is not flowing enough exhaust back into the engine. The EGR system recirculates a small amount of exhaust into the intake to lower combustion temperatures and reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions; the computer has determined the actual flow is below what it commanded. The most common reason is carbon buildup clogging the EGR valve or its passages. You may notice pinging/knocking, rough idle, or a check engine light, and the car will fail emissions testing. Typical repair costs on Renault range from $100 to $2,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0401
- •Carbon buildup clogging the EGR valve or passages
- •Stuck or faulty EGR valve
- •Blocked or restricted EGR ports/tubes
- •Faulty EGR temperature or position sensor
- •Faulty DPFE/EGR pressure sensor (on applicable systems)
- •Vacuum leak or failed vacuum control (vacuum-operated EGR)
- •Wiring or connector problems at the EGR valve
P0401 on Renault by Model
Renault Captur(1 issue)
- 1.5 dCi DPF/EGR Clogging and AdBlue SCR Faults on Short-Trip Cars2013-2021
The 1.5 dCi (K9K) diesel Captur is prone to diesel particulate filter clogging when used mainly for short urban journeys that never let the filter complete an active regeneration; the EGR valve typically sools up at the same time, compounding the airflow restriction. After repeated failed regenerations the ECU forces limp mode with 'Check Anti-Pollution System' warnings. On later Euro 6d Blue dCi versions, AdBlue/SCR faults — injector crystallisation, NOx sensor errors and incorrect urea level readings — additionally trigger 'No start in xxx km' countdown restrictions.
Renault Clio(1 issue)
- 1.5 dCi EGR Valve Sticking and Clogging2005-2012
The EGR valve on the 1.5 dCi clogs with soot and carbon, sticking open or closed — a fault so common on this engine that Renault specialists describe 1.5 dCis as suffering 'big time' with EGR problems, and Delphi published a dedicated repair guide for it. A valve stuck open causes rough running, black smoke, and hesitation; stuck closed it raises exhaust gas temperatures, which Honest John forum experts link to consequential turbo bearing failures. The fault commonly logs P2413 (EGR system performance) and recurs if the carbon-packed EGR housing is not also cleaned.
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What does P0401 mean on Renault?▼
P0401 stands for "Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient." This code means the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is not flowing enough exhaust back into the engine. The EGR system recirculates a small amount of exhaust into the intake to lower combustion temperatures and reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions; the computer has determined the actual flow is below what it commanded. The most common reason is carbon buildup clogging the EGR valve or its passages. You may notice pinging/knocking, rough idle, or a check engine light, and the car will fail emissions testing. On Renault specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0401 on Renault vehicles?▼
Common causes on Renault: Carbon buildup clogging the EGR valve or passages, Stuck or faulty EGR valve, Blocked or restricted EGR ports/tubes, Faulty EGR temperature or position sensor, Faulty DPFE/EGR pressure sensor (on applicable systems). Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0401 on a Renault?▼
Repair costs on Renault range from $100 to $2,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Renault models have P0401 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0401 on 2 Renault models: Captur, Clio.