2019-present (Mk2/XJB) · 1.3 TCe H5Ht 130-155 hp petrol engine
Popular compact crossover ideal for young families and first-time SUV buyers. The 1.3 TCe engine (co-developed with Mercedes-Benz) is significantly more reliable than the older 1.2 TCe and many examples now exceed 150,000 km without major powertrain issues. Main concerns: EDC dual-clutch gearbox can be jerky and requires regular oil changes every 60,000 km, infotainment touchscreen freezing is common (often fixed by pressing home button 5 times), and keycard batteries drain quickly. Suspension drop links and anti-roll bar bushes wear around 40,000-60,000 km causing knocking noises. Generally dependable but electrical gremlins require patience.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€800 - €1,300/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€450-700
Risk buffer
€350-600
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
EDC dual-clutch gearbox issues€300 - €3,500
Jerky shifts, hesitation, clutch wear if not serviced properly · more· less
The 7-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic gearbox can develop jerky gear changes, hesitation during acceleration, or delayed response. Common causes include clutch wear, mechatronics faults, or outdated software. Early models (2013-2019) had more issues, but 2019+ models are improved. Regular gearbox oil changes every 60,000 km are essential - skipping this service leads to premature clutch pack wear. Many issues can be resolved with software updates (€150-300), but mechatronics replacement costs €1,500-2,500 and clutch pack replacement runs €2,000-3,500. Manual gearbox Capturs are significantly more reliable. Symptoms include gear slippage, hot jerking, clunking noises, and recovery/limp mode activation.
Infotainment touchscreen freezing€0 - €1,200
Screen becomes unresponsive, dead spots, no navigation or Bluetooth · more· less
One of the most reported issues on 2019-2021 Capturs. The R-Link touchscreen can freeze, become unresponsive, develop dead spots, or display pixelated images. Quick fix: press the home button 5 times rapidly to force a reboot - this works for many owners. If that fails, try turning off the car completely for 2-3 minutes. Dealers can reset the system to factory defaults (often free under warranty). Software updates may help. In persistent cases, the entire infotainment unit needs replacement (€800-1,200). Renault acknowledges this as a known issue but hasn't issued a permanent fix. Most common on 2019-2020 models; later production runs seem more stable.
Keycard battery drain€5 - €300
Keycard shows 'battery low' message within days of replacement · more· less
Many 2019-2021 Captur owners report keycard batteries (CR2032) draining abnormally fast - sometimes needing replacement every few weeks despite using new batteries. This appears to be a fault with the keycard itself or the car's communication system constantly polling the card. Solutions: 1) Use quality branded batteries (Duracell, Energizer) not cheap alternatives; 2) After battery change, press any keycard button 4 times next to the vehicle to reset; 3) Try disconnecting car battery for 10 minutes to reset the system; 4) If rapid drain persists, the keycard may be faulty and needs replacement (€150-300 from dealer). Some owners report going through 14+ batteries before getting the keycard replaced. Emergency key slot still works if keycard fails.
Suspension drop links and bushes€100 - €400
Knocking or clunking over bumps from front suspension · more· less
Front suspension drop links (anti-roll bar links) commonly fail between 40,000-60,000 km, causing annoying light knocking sounds over bumps. Even minimal play (0.3mm) causes noticeable noise. Drop links cost €30 per pair, labor €70-150. Anti-roll bar bushes also wear and cause creaking/knocking - main dealers claim bushes can't be purchased separately and insist on replacing the entire ARB (€300-400), but independent specialists can source bushes separately (€50-100 fitted). Check also the top strut mounts/bearings which can cause similar symptoms. Some knocking is also caused by loose lower control arm bolts if previous suspension work wasn't torqued properly.
Ignition coils and spark plugs€200 - €500
Coils fail prematurely causing misfires and rough running · more· less
The 1.3 TCe has a known issue with ignition coils and spark plugs wearing faster than expected, typically around 80,000-120,000 km but sometimes earlier. Symptoms include engine hesitation, rough idle, misfires, check engine light, and increased fuel consumption. Oil leaks from spark plug tube seals can contaminate coils and accelerate failure. Recommended replacement interval is every 90,000-120,000 km or 4.5-6.5 years. Coil pack costs €40-80 each (4 needed), spark plugs €15-25 each. Labor €100-200. Total for all coils and plugs: €350-500 at dealer, €200-300 at independent garage. Check for oil in spark plug wells during inspection.
Timing chain stretch€1,000 - €2,200
Chain designed to last engine lifetime but can stretch by 200,000+ km · more· less
Renault claims the timing chain lasts the engine's lifetime, but real-world experience shows chains can stretch around 220,000 km (140,000 miles) causing timing issues. Much improved over the problematic 1.2 TCe, but still worth monitoring. Listen for rattling on cold starts lasting more than 2-3 seconds. The 1.3 TCe is better than earlier engines but not bulletproof. Replacement involves chain, tensioner, guides, and sprockets (€400-600 parts, €600-1,600 labor). Using quality oil and regular oil changes (every 15,000 km maximum) significantly extends timing chain life. The 1.3 TCe is co-developed with Mercedes so generally more robust than older Renault engines.
CV joint clicking€200 - €600
Clicking noise when turning, typically around 40,000 miles · more· less
CV joints (constant velocity joints) develop clicking noises when turning, most noticeable on full lock with power applied. Common around 60,000-70,000 km (40,000 miles). Usually caused by failed CV boot clips allowing grease to escape. Dealer quote for CV joints, boots, and drive shafts can reach €1,200, but independent garages charge €200-500. Parts cost €75-120 per side. Often more economical to replace complete driveshafts (€50-240 each) rather than rebuilding CV joints. Check by jacking up the car and inspecting for split rubber CV gaiters leaking grease. Most noise occurs when turning at speed until steering straightens up.
Check injection system warning€150 - €1,500
Warning light can be sensor issue, not actual injection problem · more· less
The "Check Injection System" warning is frustratingly common but often not related to actual injector failure. Common causes: faulty MAF sensor (€150-300), oxygen sensor (€200-400), fuel pressure sensor (€180-350), turbo intercooler pipe loose/leaking (€50-200 to fix), or water in ignition coils on petrol engines (€200-500). Can also be carbon buildup on intake valves restricting airflow - normal on direct injection engines. Symptoms include loss of power, limp mode activation, increased fuel consumption. Always scan for fault codes first before replacing parts. Many cases resolve with simple sensor cleaning or pipe reseating. Actual fuel injector replacement is rare and costs €400-1,500 including labor.
Carbon buildup (direct injection)€300 - €800
Intake valves accumulate carbon deposits, reducing performance · more· less
All direct injection engines (including the 1.3 TCe) suffer from carbon buildup on intake valves because fuel doesn't wash over the valves. Symptoms include rough idle, tachometer needle dancing at idle, hesitation, and reduced power. Most engines tolerate moderate carbon buildup for their entire life, but severe cases need walnut blasting or chemical cleaning (€300-500) or manual scraping (€500-800 labor-intensive). Prevention: avoid excessive idling, use quality fuel, install a catch can (€150-250) to prevent oil vapor backflow through PCV system, and occasionally drive spiritedly to higher RPMs. Usually becomes noticeable after 120,000-150,000 km.
Generally reliable with manageable issues
The 2019+ Captur with 1.3 TCe is a significant improvement over first-generation models. The engine itself is robust (co-developed with Mercedes-Benz) and many examples exceed 150,000 km without major problems. Most issues are electrical or software-related rather than mechanical failures. EDC gearbox requires proper maintenance but manual gearbox versions are very dependable. Avoid EDC if doing mostly city driving or buy the manual instead.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Renault dealer or specialist records essential. Verify EDC gearbox oil changes every 60,000 km if automatic.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Common size 215/60 R17 or 215/55 R16.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 2-3 seconds (normal), but longer rattle indicates problems.
Body condition
Check for parking damage, paint mismatch indicating accident repair. Inspect front and rear bumpers for scrapes (common on compact SUVs).
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including varied speeds. EDC gearbox issues often only appear when fully warmed up.
Specific for this vehicle
Test infotainment touchscreen thoroughly
Press all areas of screen to check for dead spots. Test navigation, radio, Bluetooth. Try the "5 home button press" reboot and see if it responds. Very common issue.
Check both keycards work properly
Test both keycards for locking/unlocking. Ask when batteries were last replaced. Check for 'keycard battery low' message. Test keyless entry on doors.
EDC gearbox test (if automatic)
Drive for 20+ minutes until gearbox fully warm. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking when changing direction. Check service history for gearbox oil changes.
Listen for suspension knocking
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Listen for knocking, clunking, or creaking from front suspension indicating worn drop links or bushes.
Check for dashboard warning lights
Watch for 'Check Injection System', 'Check Anti-Pollution System', or EDC gearbox warnings during test drive. Check if trip computer/tire pressure monitor reset themselves (electrical glitch).
Verify all recalls completed
Contact Renault dealer with VIN. Check for Nov 2019-Jun 2020 brake hose recall and Jul 2019 alternator wiring recall. Also front wheel hub cracking recall (2019 models).
Test CV joints on full lock
Turn steering to full lock and apply power. Listen for clicking noises indicating CV joint wear. Check rubber boots for splits.
Check for oil leaks around spark plug wells
Open hood and inspect around ignition coils for oil traces. Oil leaking into spark plug wells damages coils prematurely.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Brake hose issue (Nov 2019 - Jun 2020)Verify completed
Alternator wiring short circuit (Jul 8-23, 2019)Verify completed
Front wheel hub cracking (Jan - Dec 2019)Verify completed
Positive battery cable fire risk (2020)Verify completed
Contact a Renault dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls completed. 2019-2020 models had several important recalls that must be addressed. The alternator wiring and battery cable recalls are particularly important due to fire risk.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (registered Feb 1, 2018 - Dec 17, 2019)3 years / 60,000 miles (expired)
Factory warranty (registered after Dec 18, 2019)5 years / 100,000 miles
Paint warranty3 years
Perforation warranty12 years
Capturs registered after December 18, 2019 benefit from Renault's improved 5-year/100,000-mile warranty (first 2 years unlimited mileage). Extended warranty available from third parties like MotorEasy (average €400/year) or AA Warranty (average €280-400/year). Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners. Check exact warranty status with Renault dealer using VIN.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.