Renault Clio III (BR/CR) — Reliability
Reliability Summary
Best engine
K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) — 78/100
BUY
Worst engine
K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4) — 62/100
CAUTION
Average reliability
70/100
Engine Comparison
| Engine | Reliability Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
|
K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010)
1.5L Diesel I4 |
78/100 | BUY |
|
K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4)
1.5L Diesel I4 |
62/100 | CAUTION |
Engines in this model
BUY
78
K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010)
1.5L Diesel I4
Euro 5/6 K9K (2010 on, 75-120 hp). The 90 and 110 hp versions are the ones mechanics recommend: the ...
View details →
CAUTION
62
K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4)
1.5L Diesel I4
The first-generation K9K (Euro 3/4, 2001-2010). Frugal and simple, but this is where the 1.5 dCi got...
View details →Known Issues Across All Engines
| Issue | Engine | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Con-rod bearing wear (rarer than pre-2010, not eliminated) | K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) | critical |
| Timing belt — INTERFERENCE ENGINE (critical) | K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) | high |
| EGR fouling + DPF (city use) | K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) | moderate |
| Turbocharger wear at high mileage | K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) | moderate |
| Injector wear | K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) | moderate |
| Con-rod bearing wear and spun bearing shells | K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4) | critical |
| Timing belt - interference engine; misaligned pump pulley can shred it | K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4) | high |
| Delphi high-pressure pump metal swarf and injector failure | K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4) | high |
| Turbocharger wear from oil quality | K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4) | moderate |
| EGR valve fouling | K9K 1.5 dCi (2001-2010, Euro 3/4) | minor |
FAQ
Is the Renault Clio reliable?
The Renault Clio has 2 engine options with reliability scores ranging from 62/100 (CAUTION) to 78/100 (BUY). Average reliability: 70/100.
Which Renault Clio engine is most reliable?
The K9K 1.5 dCi (post-2010) is the most reliable engine in the Renault Clio, scoring 78/100 (BUY).
What problems does the Renault Clio have?
Across all engine variants, the Renault Clio has 10 known issues. The most common are related to Con-rod bearing wear (rarer than pre-2010, not eliminated), Timing belt — INTERFERENCE ENGINE (critical), EGR fouling + DPF (city use).