Popular French supermini with proven diesel engine. The K9K 1.5 dCi is one of the most widely-used diesels globally, found in Renault, Nissan, Dacia, and even Mercedes models. Best suited for higher-mileage drivers who regularly do longer trips - not ideal for short urban journeys due to DPF clogging. Main concerns include ECU failures (DCM1.2 unit), DPF/EGR issues in city use, EDC automatic gearbox faults, and electrical glitches. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable than EDC-equipped cars. Later models (2016+) have fewer problems than early production cars.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€650 - €1,100/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€400-650
Risk buffer
€250-450
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Engine ECU (DCM1.2) failure€300 - €1,000
Complete non-start, immobilizer light on, coolant fan runs constantly · more· less
This is a very common failure for Renault vehicles fitted with the 1.5 dCi K9K engine built between 2002-2015. Symptoms include complete non-starting with no diagnostic communication, immobilizer light permanently on, and coolant fan running constantly. Main relay will not function when ECU is faulty. New ECU from Renault dealer costs €900-1,000, but specialist ECU rebuild services offer repairs for €300-500 with lifetime warranty. Rebuilt units retain all programming and are plug-and-play. This issue affects all Clio IV models with the 1.5 dCi diesel.
Primarily affects cars used for short urban trips, causes power loss and warning lights · more· less
The 1.5 dCi is prone to DPF blockages if used primarily in urban conditions. Short trips prevent the filter reaching regeneration temperature (requires sustained highway speed). Symptoms include reduced power, DPF warning light, increased fuel consumption, and difficulty starting. Professional DPF cleaning costs €400-600. Replacement costs €800-1,500. Prevention: drive at least 40 mph (64 km/h) for 15-20 minutes continuously once per week minimum. Renault's system includes a fifth injector in the exhaust that aids regeneration even at idle, but frequent short trips will still cause problems. If you only do urban driving, avoid this diesel engine entirely and choose a petrol variant.
EGR valve clogging/failure€150 - €400
Causes rough running, power loss, hard starting when cold, and warning lights · more· less
The 1.5 dCi suffers big time with EGR valve problems. Carbon deposits build up in the valve or seat, causing it to stick open or closed. Symptoms include loss of power, rough running, almost impossible cold starts, and check engine light. DIY cleaning is possible (30-60 minutes) and costs nothing but solvents. EGR valve replacement costs around €270 at garages. After cleaning or replacement, the system MUST be reset with a proper diagnostic tool or the warning light will remain. Even after valve replacement, problems can persist if wiring is damaged (common from engine vibration) or if the EGR position sensor fails. Urban driving accelerates EGR clogging significantly.
EDC automatic gearbox failures (if equipped)€1,500 - €4,500
"Check Auto Gearbox" message, loss of gears, limp mode - manual is far more reliable · more· less
The EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission is problematic. Common issues include "Check Auto Gearbox" warning, loss of specific gears (often 2, 4, and 6 - all on one solenoid), sudden loss of drive, and limp mode. Causes include dry clutch friction surface wear, TCM calibration issues, actuator problems, and solenoid failures. First fix attempt is usually TCM reprogramming (sometimes free under warranty). If that fails, solenoid replacement or full clutch pack replacement needed. One owner reported €4,500 for clutch pack, €13,000 for complete EDC replacement. Many issues occur within warranty period (5 years), but out-of-warranty costs are severe. Manual gearbox Clios are significantly more reliable - avoid EDC-equipped cars if buying used.
Variable vanes jam from gentle driving, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator tends to stick if driven too gently or only used for short trips. Carbon builds up on the variable vanes, jamming them in one position. Symptoms include EPC warning light, limp mode, loss of power, and potential whistling noise. Sometimes cleaning the actuator resolves the issue for free. Renault won't sell the actuator separately. Specialist actuator repair costs around €300-600. If turbo internals are damaged, full turbo replacement runs €800-1,200. Prevention: use premium fuel and drive spiritedly occasionally to keep actuator moving. Typical failure occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. Some rebuilt turbos available for around €150, but labor adds significantly to total cost.
Fuel injector failures€500 - €2,500
Delphi injectors sensitive to fuel quality, causes rough idle and starting issues · more· less
The Delphi injectors used in the K9K engine are very sensitive to fuel quality. Poor diesel causes injector failures leading to rough idling, misfires, hard starting, and reduced fuel efficiency. Individual injector replacement costs around €120-150 per injector (parts only). Full set of 4 injectors costs €460-500. Complete injection system repair including pump and injectors can reach €2,000-3,000. Injector cleaning/reconditioning services cost €50-150 per injector excluding labor. Remanufactured injectors with warranty are available at lower cost than new OEM. Always use quality diesel from reputable stations to minimize risk. Injector failure often occurs between 100,000-150,000 km.
Intermittent faults with windscreen wipers, windows, displays, and sensors · more· less
Owners report lots of intermittent electrical faults with Clio IV. Common issues include faulty windscreen wipers, malfunctioning digital instrument displays, broken electric windows, infotainment glitches, phone connectivity problems, occasional sensor warnings, and 12V battery/key card issues. ABS sensor failures are also common, causing ABS warning light and brake pedal pulsations. Brake pedal switch issues frequently trigger false alarms. Individual sensor replacements cost €50-150. Display unit replacement can reach €400-600. Many electrical issues are intermittent and difficult to diagnose, requiring multiple garage visits. Early production cars (2012-2015) more prone to these issues than post-2016 facelifted models.
Suspension and axle wear (drop links, bushes)€150 - €500
Knocking over bumps, usually drop links or anti-roll bar links breaking · more· less
Many Clio IV models develop knocking or rattling over bumps as they age, typically appearing after 60,000-80,000 km. Common causes include worn drop links (anti-roll bar links), deteriorated bushes, worn top mounts, and tired springs. Drop link replacement costs around €60-200 depending on parts quality and garage. Track rod ends wear frequently and need replacing (around €80-150 per side). At approximately 70,000 km, alternator pulley can break up (€400-600 repair including alternator). Complete suspension refresh with all bushes, drop links, and top mounts can reach €500-800. These are normal wear items but occur relatively early on the Clio IV compared to some rivals.
Timing chain wear/tensioner failure€600 - €1,200
Requires replacement after 5 years regardless of mileage · more· less
Both 1.2 petrol and 1.5 diesel Clio IVs have a timing chain that needs replacing after five years as recommended maintenance. This isn't strictly a "problem" but a scheduled maintenance item that many buyers overlook. Cost is typically €600-800 for independent garage, €800-1,200 at Renault dealer. The drive belt tensioner should also be replaced at the same time as these are known to fail. If not replaced on schedule, chain stretch can occur, leading to rattle on cold starts and potential catastrophic engine damage if chain skips. When buying a used Clio reaching the 5-year mark, check if this work has been completed or factor the cost into negotiations.
Decent reliability for regular higher-mileage use, problematic for urban driving
The Clio IV with 1.5 dCi is best suited for drivers covering 20,000+ km annually with regular longer trips. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable than EDC automatic. The K9K diesel engine itself is proven and can easily exceed 200,000 km with proper maintenance, but the emissions equipment (DPF, EGR) causes frequent issues for urban drivers. ECU failures are common but repairable. Post-2016 facelifted cars have fewer electrical problems than early models.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals and check if 5-year timing chain replacement has been done.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension issues.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for any hesitation, rough idle, or warning lights.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, and paint mismatch.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds and listen for suspension knocks over bumps.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for DPF warning light and regeneration frequency
Ask owner how often DPF light appears and when last regeneration occurred. Test drive for minimum 20 minutes to see if DPF light illuminates. Avoid cars used only for short urban trips.
Cold start diagnostic check
Start engine completely cold and watch for any warning lights, especially check engine, EPC, or DPF. Listen for rough idle or hesitation. Check if coolant fan runs continuously (ECU problem sign).
EDC gearbox operation (if automatic)
Test for minimum 15 minutes until gearbox is fully warm. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking, or "Check Auto Gearbox" message. Consider avoiding EDC-equipped cars entirely.
Electrical system checks
Test all electric windows, windscreen wipers (all speeds), central locking, infotainment system, phone connectivity, and check for any intermittent warning lights on dashboard.
Suspension noise check
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads listening for knocking, clunking, or rattling from suspension. Check for play in steering wheel at standstill.
Verify brake system recalls completed
Cars built before April 2015 affected by brake hose recall (issued twice). Contact Renault with VIN to confirm completion.
Timing chain replacement verification
For cars 5+ years old, verify timing chain has been replaced. Check service history for evidence and ensure tensioner was also replaced.
Check service history matches mileage profile
Diesel should show evidence of regular longer journeys. Low-mileage diesel Clios (under 10,000 km/year) likely used for short trips and may have DPF problems.
Power steering failure (June-Nov 2019 Clio V only)Not applicable to Clio IV
Contact Renault dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The brake hose issue affected approximately 400,000 Clios worldwide and was serious enough to warrant two separate recalls. Improperly fitted protectors could cause brake hose wear, resulting in fluid leaks and reduced braking performance.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2-3 years)Expired on all 2012-2019 models
EDC gearbox extended warranty5 years - may still apply to 2019 models
Average engine lifespan240,000 km (150,000 miles)
All Clio IV models from 2012-2019 are now outside their original factory warranty. If considering an EDC automatic model from 2018-2019, check whether the 5-year EDC-specific warranty might still apply. The K9K 1.5 dCi engine is proven to last well beyond 200,000 km with proper maintenance, though electrical components and emission systems may need attention before reaching this mileage.
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.