The most reliable Renault engines by the numbers
Renault's most reliable engines are its simplest. The naturally aspirated K-series, the proven dCi diesels, and the Daimler-co-developed 1.3 TCe represent the brand at its engineering best — durable, efficient, and cost-effective to maintain.
Complete ranking
| Rank | Engine | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5 dCi (K9K) | 82/100 | BUY |
| 2 | K7J/K7M | 82/100 | BUY |
| 3 | D4F | 80/100 | BUY |
| 4 | E7J | 80/100 | BUY |
| 5 | K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) | 78/100 | BUY |
1.5 dCi (K9K) — 82/100
1.5L Diesel I4
Found in: Captur, Clio, Dokker, Duster, Espace, Fluence, Jimny, Juke
No significant reliability issues reported.
Full 1.5 dCi (K9K) reliability report →
K7J/K7M — 82/100
K7J/K7M 1.4/1.6 8V
Found in: Dokker, Kangoo, Lodgy, Logan, Logan MCV, Sandero
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt replacement — severity moderate, typically appears around 60.000 km
Full K7J/K7M reliability report →
D4F — 80/100
D4F/D7F 1.2 NA
Found in: Clio, Kangoo, Rio, Twingo
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Throttle body failure — severity moderate, typically appears around 60.000 km
E7J — 80/100
E7J 1.4 8V
Found in: Clio, Megane
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt (interference) — severity high, typically appears around 60.000 km
K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) — 78/100
1.5L Diesel I4
Found in: Captur 1.5 dCi, Clio 1.5 dCi, Dokker 1.5 dCi, Duster 1.5 dCi, Kadjar 1.5 dCi, Lodgy 1.5 dCi, Logan 1.5 dCi, Megane 1.5 dCi
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt — INTERFERENCE ENGINE (critical) — severity high, typically appears around 60.000 km
- Turbocharger wear at high mileage — severity moderate, typically appears around 150.000 km
- EGR fouling + DPF (city use) — severity moderate, typically appears around 80.000 km
Full K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) reliability report →
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →