2012-2019 (BH98) - H4B 898cc 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol (90 hp)
Popular French supermini with a small turbocharged 3-cylinder engine co-developed with Nissan. The 0.9 TCe is generally considered one of Renault's more reliable modern engines when properly maintained, though the timing chain and ignition components need monitoring. The small displacement means the engine works hard at higher RPM, making regular oil changes critical. Main concerns: timing chain tensioner wear (listen for cold start rattle), spark plug/ignition coil wear, thermostat housing leaks, and various electrical gremlins typical of French cars. Manual gearbox is reliable; EDC automatic has occasional TCU software issues. Multiple brake hose recalls affect early production cars - verify all recalls completed.
Chain stretches over time, tensioner loses pressure overnight causing cold start rattle · more· less
The H4B engine uses a timing chain marketed as "lifetime," but realistically requires attention around 150,000 km. The tensioner can lose hydraulic pressure overnight, causing a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. If the chain stretches too much and jumps, it can bend valves - despite some claims this is a non-interference engine, forum reports confirm valve damage does occur. Parts cost €70-130, but labor is 4-5 hours. Renault dealer quoted one owner €800 for the complete job. Ignoring symptoms leads to catastrophic engine failure requiring replacement (€1,500-2,000 for remanufactured unit).
Ignition coil / spark plug failure€100 - €300
Engine misfires, rough idle, shuddering at low RPM - common on high-revving 3-cylinders · more· less
The 0.9 TCe is known to be hard on spark plugs due to the high RPM required for adequate power from such a small displacement. Owners report rough idling with the whole car shuddering back and forth around 1,200 RPM. Spark plugs (set of 3) cost €10-15, ignition coils €30-50 each. It's recommended to replace all 3 coils together. DIY replacement takes about 30 minutes. Professional replacement with diagnosis typically €100-200.
Thermostat housing leak€150 - €300
Plastic housing becomes brittle, seal fails causing coolant loss · more· less
Renault uses plastic thermostat housings that become brittle over time from heat cycling. The seal eventually splits, causing coolant leaks. Common on the 0.9 TCe engine. Symptoms include low coolant warnings, visible coolant on engine, or poor cabin heating. Parts cost €35-50 for the housing plus €10-15 for coolant. Independent garage repair approximately €250. If coolant loss is ignored, overheating can cause head gasket failure.
Electrical faults / battery drain€100 - €500
Infotainment stays active, parasitic drain kills battery within days · more· less
The Clio IV has well-documented electrical gremlins. Common issues include the infotainment/MediaNav system staying lit after ignition off, various warning lights appearing after battery replacement, and general parasitic drain. Sources include glove box light not switching off, BSI module failures from water ingress, and immobiliser control unit faults. Diagnosis can be tricky - some owners report €100-200 for simple fixes, while BSI or immobiliser issues can reach €400-500 at specialists.
Window regulator failure€150 - €300
Window gets stuck, drops into door, or stops mid-travel · more· less
Electric window regulators are a known weak point across many Clio generations. The window may stop midway, produce grinding/clicking sounds, or fall into the door. Parts cost €50-100 depending on brand. Labor involves removing the door panel, which takes 1-2 hours. Total repair at a garage typically €150-250. The mechanism is usually not repairable - full replacement is recommended.
ABS sensor / ring failure€100 - €200
ABS warning light illuminates, often caused by corroded sensor ring on driveshaft · more· less
The ABS warning light is commonly triggered by a broken or corroded ABS sensor ring on the outer end of the front driveshafts. This is particularly common on Clios. Sensors themselves cost €40-65 aftermarket, €150 per pair from Renault. Single sensor replacement typically €90-150 at a garage. More serious ABS module faults can reach €1,000 but are rare. Expect this issue after 100,000 km, earlier in coastal/salty areas.
EDC gearbox TCU issues (automatic only)€500 - €2,000
"Check Auto Gearbox" warning, jerky shifts, no drive in certain gears · more· less
If your Clio has the EDC dual-clutch automatic, be aware of potential TCU (Transmission Control Unit) issues. Symptoms include the "Check Auto Gearbox" warning, revs shooting up without gear engagement, and clunking noises at low speeds. The good news: mechanically, the EDC is generally reliable - most issues are software or TCU related. A software re-map often fixes the problem. TCU replacement costs €800-900 for the part plus programming at a dealer. Battery issues can also trigger these warnings - check battery first.
Clutch wear (manual only)€500 - €800
Normal wear item, typically 120,000-180,000 km depending on driving style · more· less
The manual gearbox in the Clio IV is reliable. Clutch replacement is a normal wear item with lifespan varying greatly based on driving style and conditions (city vs. highway). Clutch kit parts cost €100-200. Labor is 5-6 hours as it's a gearbox-off job. Total replacement at an independent garage typically €500-700, Renault dealer €700-900. The 0.9 TCe's light weight helps clutch longevity.
Reasonably reliable for the class, but needs attentive maintenance
The 0.9 TCe engine is considered one of Renault's better efforts in recent years. Well-maintained examples have reached 200,000+ km. However, the small displacement means high RPM operation is necessary for adequate power, which stresses ignition components and requires diligent oil changes. Change oil every 10,000-12,000 km rather than Renault's optimistic 18,000 km interval. The manual gearbox is more reliable than the EDC automatic. Electrical issues are the most common complaint.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes - frequent changes are critical for this engine.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. This is the most important test for this car.
Body condition
Check for parking dents, wheel arch chips, and general wear consistent with mileage.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds and conditions.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold and listen carefully for the first 30 seconds. Any metallic rattling that fades after a few seconds indicates timing chain tensioner wear - budget €700-1,200 for repair.
Rough idle / misfires
At idle, the car should run smoothly. Any shuddering, vibration, or uneven running suggests ignition coil or spark plug issues. Check engine warning light for misfire codes.
Coolant level and condition
Check coolant expansion tank - should be between min/max marks with clean pink/orange fluid. Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates thermostat housing leak or worse.
Test all electrical systems
Check all windows, central locking, touchscreen/MediaNav, and watch for warning lights. Turn ignition off and verify the infotainment system shuts down properly.
EDC gearbox operation (if automatic)
Drive for 15+ minutes through various gears. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, or clunking at low speeds. Check for "Check Auto Gearbox" warning.
Verify all brake hose recalls completed
Early cars (2012-2015) were subject to multiple brake hose recalls. Contact Renault with VIN to verify completion.
Check oil level and condition
Oil should be between marks on dipstick and relatively clean. Very black oil or low level suggests poor maintenance history.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Front brake hose chafing (2012-2014)Verify completed
Rear seat hinge failure (crash safety)Verify completed
Battery/alternator contact fire risk (H4B engines pre-July 2019)Verify completed
Suspension bolt over-tighteningVerify completed
Takata airbag inflatorVerify completed
The Clio IV has had multiple recalls - eight is notable for this generation. Contact Renault with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The brake-related recalls are particularly important for safety.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (varies by year)Expired on most Clio IVs
Corrosion warranty12 years (check documentation)
Extended warranty availableThrough Renault dealers
Renault warranty terms changed over time: 4 years until 2018, then 3 years, then 5 years from December 2019. Most Clio IVs (2012-2019) are now outside factory warranty. Extended warranties are available through Renault dealerships. EU law allows servicing at independent garages without voiding warranty.
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.