The most reliable Renault engines by the numbers
Renault's most reliable engines are its simplest. The naturally aspirated K-series and F4R 2.0, and the post-2010 1.5 dCi represent the brand at its engineering best — durable, efficient, and cost-effective to maintain.
Complete ranking
| Rank | Engine | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | K7J/K7M | 89/100 | BEST |
| 2 | V4Y / VQ35DE | 85/100 | BEST |
| 3 | E7J | 84/100 | BUY |
| 4 | F4Rt | 84/100 | BUY |
| 5 | K4J | 84/100 | BUY |
| 6 | G8T | 84/100 | BUY |
| 7 | D4F | 83/100 | BUY |
| 8 | K4M | 83/100 | BUY |
| 9 | F4R | 82/100 | BUY |
| 10 | R9N | 82/100 | BUY |
| 11 | H4M E-Tech (HR16 + 2 electric motors) | 81/100 | BUY |
| 12 | TCe 1.8 (M5P) | 81/100 | BUY |
K7J/K7M — 89/100
K7J/K7M 1.4/1.6 8V
Found in: Dokker, Kangoo, Lodgy, Logan, Logan MCV, Megane, Sandero
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt (interference) — severity high, typically appears around 60.000 km
- Cracked ignition coil (pre-2012) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Oil leaks from front crank seal and oil cooler — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
Full K7J/K7M reliability report →
V4Y / VQ35DE — 85/100
V4Y / VQ35DE 3.5 V6
Found in: Espace, Laguna, Latitude, Murano
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Engine management recall (cars built up to January 2005) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Cooling system: water pump and cooling fan — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
- Crankshaft and camshaft sensor faults (stalling) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full V4Y / VQ35DE reliability report →
E7J — 84/100
E7J 1.4 8V (Energy)
Found in: Clio, Megane
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Coolant- and intake-air temperature sensor faults — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Ignition faults - cracked distributor cap, plugs and HT leads — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Timing belt - change on schedule with tensioner — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
F4Rt — 84/100
2.0L Turbo I4 (F4Rt)
Found in: Espace, Laguna, Megane, Scenic
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt and rattly belt pulleys (interference engine) — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Ignition coils, sensors and heat-damaged connectors — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Rocker cover and crankshaft seal oil leaks — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
Full F4Rt reliability report →
K4J — 84/100
K4J 1.4 16V
Found in: Clio, Megane, Modus, Scenic
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt (interference) — severity high, typically appears around 60.000 km
- Coil pack failure — severity minor, typically appears around 50.000 km
- Crankshaft (TDC) sensor or wiring fault — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
G8T — 84/100
G8T 2.2 D / dT
Found in: Laguna
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt or tensioner failure (broken rocker arms) — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Oil cooler seal leaks — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Overheating - cylinder head warping or cracking — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →