What is the 2012-2026 Renault Clio TCe Turbo Coolant Leak?

The TCe turbocharged engines develop coolant leaks from the turbocharger coolant lines and the thermostat housing. The plastic coolant connectors become brittle with age and heat exposure, causing seepage and eventual failure. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2012 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi (K9K) Fuel Injector and Injection Pump Failure?

The 1.5 dCi K9K diesel suffers well-documented fuel injector failures, often triggered by injection pump wear or fuel contamination that sends metal debris through the common-rail system into the injectors. Honest John documented a 2007 Clio 1.5 dCi whose injection pump broke up… Repairs typically run $350-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2019 Renault Clio EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder, TCU Faults and Clutch Failure?

Clio IV models with the six-speed EDC automatic (the dry-clutch Getrag DCT250, the same family as the troubled DSG/PowerShift units) suffer low-speed judder, jerky 1st-2nd shifts, clunks engaging Drive or Reverse, overheating warnings in traffic, and 'Check auto gearbox' messages… Repairs typically run $250-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2020 Renault Clio Electric Power Steering (EPS) Column Failure?

The electrically assisted steering column on the Clio III (2005-2012) is a notorious failure point: UK steering specialists describe complete column failure as 'a very common fault', caused by poor ground connections to the EPS motor or internal failure of the column's motor and… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2011 Renault Clio 1.2 Petrol Valve Cotter Defect — Engine Destruction (DVSA Recall)?

Clio III 1.2 petrol engines built between 17 September and 30 November 2010 were recalled (DVSA reference R/2011/118) because out-of-specification valve cotters could let a valve drop into the cylinder, destroying the engine. 3,308 UK cars were affected. An unremedied car can suf… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2012 Renault Clio Ignition Coil Pack Failure?

The Clio II and III petrol engines suffer from premature ignition coil pack failure, causing misfires and rough running. The coil packs crack from heat cycling and moisture ingress, particularly on the 1.2 and 1.4 engines. Repairs typically run $80-$250. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2019 Renault Clio Gearbox Bearing Failure?

The JH3 and JR5 manual gearboxes in the Clio develop differential bearing noise that progressively worsens. The bearings fail from inadequate lubrication at the differential end of the housing. Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2012 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi EGR Valve Sticking and Clogging?

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 cause… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2019 Renault Clio Keycard Not Detected / Card Reader Failure?

Clio III and IV keycard models commonly refuse to start with a 'key card not detected' message. The flexible credit-card-style keycards are bent, sat on, and dropped, eventually killing the internal chip — UK auto locksmiths note both 3- and 4-button cards have a known chip failu… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: medium.

Renault · Known Issues

2000-2026 Renault Clio Problems: 10 Known Issues

2000-2026 model years · 375+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 375+ owner reports, the 2000-2026 Renault Clio has 10 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Belt Tensioner Failure ($300-$600 repair), TCe Turbo Coolant Leak ($200-$600 repair), 1.5 dCi (K9K) Fuel Injector and Injection Pump Failure ($350-$4,500 repair), EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder, TCU Faults and Clutch Failure ($250-$4,000 repair), Electric Power Steering (EPS) Column Failure ($700-$1,800 repair) and 1.2 Petrol Valve Cotter Defect — Engine Destruction (DVSA Recall) ($0-$4,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Ignition Coil Pack Failure with 130 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 10 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

TCe Turbo Coolant Leak

30K-70K

Ignition Coil Pack Failure

40K-80K

Timing Belt Tensioner Failure

50K-90K

Gearbox Bearing Failure

50K-100K

025K50K75K100K mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Renault Clio problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 375+ owner reports, the 2000-2026 Renault Clio has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Belt Tensioner Failure, TCe Turbo Coolant Leak, 1.5 dCi (K9K) Fuel Injector and Injection Pump Failure. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Renault Clio reliable?

The 2000-2026 Renault Clio has 10 known issues documented across 375+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Timing Belt Tensioner Failure and TCe Turbo Coolant Leak and 1.5 dCi (K9K) Fuel Injector and Injection Pump Failure and EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder, TCU Faults and Clutch Failure and Electric Power Steering (EPS) Column Failure and 1.2 Petrol Valve Cotter Defect — Engine Destruction (DVSA Recall). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Renault Clio problems?

Repair costs for known Renault Clio issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Belt Tensioner Failure, typically costs $300-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Renault Clio is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Renault Clio. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2026 Renault Clio with 10 documented issues documented across 375+ owner reports.

What is the 2000-2015 Renault Clio Timing Belt Tensioner Failure?

The timing belt tensioner bearing on Clio K-series engines can fail before the scheduled belt replacement interval, causing catastrophic engine damage. The water pump, which is driven by the timing belt, also fails prematurely. Repairs typically run $300-$600. Severity: high.

All 10 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

Timing Belt Tensioner Failure#

TCe Turbo Coolant Leak#

1.2 Petrol Valve Cotter Defect — Engine Destruction (DVSA Recall)#

Ignition Coil Pack Failure#

EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder, TCU Faults and Clutch Failure#

Gearbox Bearing Failure#

1.5 dCi (K9K) Fuel Injector and Injection Pump Failure#

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Column Failure#

1.5 dCi EGR Valve Sticking and Clogging#

Keycard Not Detected / Card Reader Failure#

Other Renault Models