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Renault · Supermini · 1998–2005 Custom Search

Renault Clio 2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 10 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

133–169 PS

2.0L 16V Benzin

Naturally Aspirated Character

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

75–98 PS

1.4L 16V Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

61–116 PS

1.5L dCi Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Renault Clio 2 is available with 10 engine variants — from 54 to 169 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L dCi · Diesel· 61–106 PS Engine Change
2001 2005
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2001 2005
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2003 2005
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.9L D · Diesel· 64 PS
1998 2001
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.9L dCi · Diesel· 80 PS
2000 2005
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.2L · Petrol· 54–65 PS
1998 2005
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.2L 16V · Petrol· 75–79 PS
2001 2005
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4L · Petrol· 75 PS
1998 2005
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4L 16V · Petrol· 95–98 PS
1999 2005
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L · Petrol· 88–90 PS
1998 2005
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L 16V · Petrol· 105–111 PS
1999 2005
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Clio Sport · Petrol· 163–169 PS
1999 2005
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Renault 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 61–106 PS) comes with 3 different engines: K9K (2001–2005, Stay Away!) and K9K (2001–2005, Stay Away!) and K9K (2003–2005, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L dCi!

The Renault 1.9L D (Diesel, 64 PS) has the F8Q (1.9L D) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.9L dCi (Diesel, 80 PS) has the F9Q (1.9L dCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.2L (Petrol, 54–65 PS) has the D7F (1.2L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.2L 16V (Petrol, 75–79 PS) has the D4F (1.2L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.4L (Petrol, 75 PS) has the E7J (1.4L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.4L 16V (Petrol, 95–98 PS) has the K4J (1.4L 16V) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.6L (Petrol, 88–90 PS) has the K7M (1.6L) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 105–111 PS) has the K4M (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Renault Clio Sport (Petrol, 163–169 PS) has the F4R (2.0L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Corroded wiring connectors and weak battery

Rust spots on connectors, weak batteries and loose contacts cause electronics problems. More than half of all Clio IIs fail their first vehicle inspection.

Symptoms: Various electrical failures, car won't start, warning lights
Ad Massepunkt Clio IISteckverbinder Renault Clio 2
 Low
!Ignition coils (Sagem) fail in series

Sagem brand ignition coils in the Clio II are systemically weak. Multiple coils fail in quick succession. Known on 1.4 and 1.6-16V engines, typically from 80,000 km.

Symptoms: Engine misfires after cold start, cylinder drops out under acceleration, increased fuel consumption, MIL illuminated
from 80,000 km
Ad ignition coil Renault Clio II 8200154186ignition coil Clio 1.6 16V Sagem
 Low

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Citroën C2 I

Supermini (2003–2010)

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Citroën C3 Pluriel I

Supermini (2003–2010)

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Supermini (2003–2012)

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Supermini (2002–2009)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 56 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Clio 2 (1998–2005) — 49 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: K9K (1.5L dCi). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Rust, Gearbox. Considered reliable: K4J (1.4L 16V).

Clio (F8Q, 1998–2001) — Be Careful: Compression Loss / Engine Wear, Fuel System Air Bubbles / Tank Ventilation, Injection Pump Solenoid Valve (Lucas) Failure. Power: 64 PS.

Clio (F9Q, 2000–2005) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Injector Failure, EGR and Intercooler Soot Deposits. Power: 80 PS.

Clio (K9K, 2001–2005) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 61–68 PS.

Clio (K9K, 2001–2005) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 82–86 PS.

Clio (K9K, 2003–2005) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 101–106 PS.

Clio (D7F, 1998–2005) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Mandatory Interval, Head Gasket Leaking, General Oil Leaks with Age. Power: 54–65 PS.

Clio (E7J, 1998–2005) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Often Overdue on Older Vehicles, Head Gasket Failure (Known Renault Weakness), Oil Loss from Aged Gaskets. Power: 75 PS.

Clio (K7M, 1998–2005) — Be Careful: Head Gasket Failure Due to Overheating, Timing Belt Change as Mandatory Interval, Thermostat Failure as Overheating Trigger. Power: 88–90 PS.

Clio (K4M, 1999–2005) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Failure from Exceeded Maintenance Interval, Timing Belt: Labour-Intensive Change Due to Tight Engine Bay, Camshaft Adjuster Failure. Power: 105–111 PS.

Clio (F4R, 1999–2005) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Replacement Involved and Costly, Oil Consumption from Coked Piston Rings, Ignition Coils Under Intake Manifold. Power: 163–169 PS.

Clio (D4F, 2001–2005) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Failure = Bent Valves, Crankshaft Bearing Damage from Condensation, Valve Clearance Adjustment Required. Power: 75–79 PS.

What to watch out for with the Renault Clio? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Renault Clio 2 have? +
The Renault Clio 2 has 49 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Renault Clio 2? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: K4J (1.4L 16V). The most reliable engine is the K4J (1.4L 16V) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the F4R (2.0L 16V). Problem engine: K9K (1.5L dCi) — stay away!
Which Renault Clio 2 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Renault Clio 2. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Renault Clio 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Renault Clio 2 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 2.0 16V naturally aspirated in the small Clio — rev-happy, direct, and light enough to feel the push.
Is the Renault Clio 2 worth buying used? +
The Renault Clio 2 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Clio 2? +
The Renault Clio 2 is available with engine variants from 54 to 169 hp. Petrol: D7F (1.2L), D4F (1.2L 16V), E7J (1.4L), K4J (1.4L 16V), K7M (1.6L), K4M (1.6L 16V), F4R (2.0L 16V). Diesel: F9Q (1.9L dCi), F8Q (1.9L D), K9K (1.5L dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee