Why some Renault engines score below 68/100
Renault engines are a mixed bag — some are genuinely excellent, and some are best avoided entirely. The worst offenders tend to be the early turbocharged petrol units and specific diesel generations, such as the pre-2010 1.5 dCi with its fuel-pump and con-rod bearing failures.
The pattern
Renault's worst engines share a common theme: ambitious downsizing without the durability testing to match. The TCe turbo petrol units from the early 2010s and specific dCi generations — notably the pre-2010 1.5 dCi K9K, with Delphi pumps that shed metal into the injectors and con-rod bearings that spin — are the main offenders. The K-series naturally aspirated engines and modern 1.3 TCe (developed with Daimler) are significantly better.
G9T — 49/100 (CAUTION)
G9T 2.2 dCi
Found in: Espace, Laguna
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big-end bearing wear - engine failure | critical | N/A | 120.000 km |
| Injector and high-pressure pump faults | high | N/A | N/A |
| Timing gear train (anti-backlash gear) failure | high | €4.000 | N/A |
| Turbocharger failure (can cause engine runaway) | high | N/A | 80.000 km |
| Catalytic converter weld cracks | minor | N/A | N/A |
P9X — 52/100 (CAUTION)
P9X 3.0 dCi V6
Found in: Espace
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overheating - head gasket, liner settling, engine seizure | critical | N/A | N/A |
| Injection pump and injector faults (6 injectors) | high | N/A | N/A |
| EGR valve clogging and EGR cooler leaks | moderate | N/A | N/A |
| Variable-geometry turbo sticking or failure | moderate | N/A | N/A |
F9Q (1997-2005, Euro 3) — 53/100 (CAUTION)
F9Q 1.9 dTi / dCi (1997-2005)
Found in: Carisma, Clio, Laguna, Megane, S40/V40, Trafic
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecting-rod bearing wear - engine failure | critical | N/A | N/A |
| Turbocharger failure | high | N/A | 80.000 km |
| Air-mass meter failure | minor | N/A | N/A |
| EGR valve clogging | moderate | N/A | N/A |
| Injector faults | moderate | N/A | N/A |
Full F9Q (1997-2005, Euro 3) reliability report →
R9M — 60/100 (CAUTION)
R9M 1.6 dCi (Energy dCi 130/160)
Found in: C-Class, Espace, Kadjar, Koleos, Megane, Qashqai, Qashqai 1.6 dCi, Scenic
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder block can crack (2015-2018 Espace, Talisman, Trafic) | critical | N/A | N/A |
| Timing chain stretch | high | N/A | N/A |
| Variable-geometry turbo failure (130 hp) | high | N/A | N/A |
| Oil leaks at the timing cover or oil filter housing | minor | N/A | N/A |
| EGR cooler or exhaust manifold cracks (exhaust smell in the cabin) | moderate | N/A | N/A |
TCe 1.2 (H5F) — 60/100 (CAUTION)
1.2L Turbo I4
Found in: Captur, Captur 1.2 TCe, Clio, Clio 1.2 TCe, Dokker, Duster, Duster 1.2 TCe, Juke
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil consumption - ring wear, burnt exhaust valves, engine failure (built 2012-2016) | critical | €10.000 | 66.000 km |
| Timing chain stretch or jump - tensioner and guides | high | N/A | N/A |
| Thermostat failure | moderate | €500 | 60.000 km |
Full TCe 1.2 (H5F) reliability report →
K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4) — 62/100 (CAUTION)
1.5L Diesel I4
Found in: Clio, Jimny, Kangoo, Megane, Micra, Sandero, Scenic
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Con-rod bearing wear and spun bearing shells | critical | €7.500 | 90.000 km |
| Delphi high-pressure pump metal swarf and injector failure | high | €1.160 | 60.000 km |
| Timing belt - interference engine; misaligned pump pulley can shred it | high | N/A | 90.000 km |
| EGR valve fouling | minor | N/A | N/A |
| Turbocharger wear from oil quality | moderate | N/A | N/A |
Full K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4) reliability report →
What to buy instead
Not all Renault engines are problematic. These score well:
- K7J/K7M — 89/100 (BEST)
- V4Y / VQ35DE — 85/100 (BEST)
- E7J — 84/100 (BUY)
- F4Rt — 84/100 (BUY)
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →