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Renault · Supermini · 2005–2012 Custom Search

Renault Clio 3

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

190–273 PS

2.0L Turbo RS Benzin

Last Pure Naturally Aspirated RS — an Icon

Legendary!
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!

Body Variants

The Renault Clio 3 is available as Hatchback and Grandtour — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Hatchback
7 Engines 1× Good Choice 1× Stay Away!
View Hatchback →
Grandtour
7 Engines 1× Good Choice 1× Stay Away!
View Grandtour →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Renault Clio 3 is available with 7 engine variants — from 58 to 273 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L dCi · Diesel· 61–106 PS Engine Change
2005 2012
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2005 2012
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2005 2012
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.2L 16V · Petrol· 58–79 PS Engine Change
2005 2012
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2009 2012
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.2L TCe · Petrol· 101–103 PS
2007 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4L 16V · Petrol· 95–98 PS
2005 2012
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L 16V · Petrol· 105–111 PS
2005 2012
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L 16V · Petrol· 136–139 PS
2006 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Clio RS · Petrol· 201 PS
2006 2012
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Renault 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 61–106 PS) comes with 3 different engines: K9K (2005–2012, Stay Away!) and K9K (2005–2012, Stay Away!) and K9K (2005–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L dCi!

The Renault 1.2L 16V (Petrol, 58–79 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4F (2005–2012, Be Careful) and D4F (2009–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L 16V!

The Renault 1.2L TCe (Petrol, 101–103 PS) has the D4Ft (1.2L TCe) — 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 16V (Petrol, 105–111 PS) has the K4M (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Renault 2.0L 16V (Petrol, 136–139 PS) has the F4R (2.0L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Renault Clio RS (Petrol, 201 PS) has the F4R-RS (2.0L Turbo RS) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Shock absorbers and springs prematurely defective

Shock absorber failures are regularly identified at vehicle inspections. The Clio III generation has the most suspension problems. Sway bar links wear out early.

Symptoms: Knocking over bumps, MOT rejection, unsafe handling
from 80,000 km
Ad shock absorber Clio IIIdrop link Renault Clio 3spring Clio III
 Low
!Springs and shock absorbers worn early

The Clio III is particularly frequently flagged at the MOT for broken springs and worn shock absorbers. Repair costs are 250–500 € per axle. Tie rod ends and strut top mounts are also typical MOT defects.

Symptoms: Poor road holding, knocking over bumps, car bounces repeatedly after speed humps
from 90,000 km
Ad shock absorber Clio III frontspring Renault Clio 3 rear
 Medium

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD TÜV-Report

Below average

Shock absorbers, springs and steering joints are flagged above average. Rust susceptibility is particularly serious. Brake lines and brake discs wear prematurely.

2024-11

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Clio 3 (2005–2012) — 36 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: K9K (1.5L dCi). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Rust, Brakes. Considered reliable: K4J (1.4L 16V).

Clio (K9K, 2005–2012) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 61–75 PS.

Clio (K9K, 2005–2012) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 82–90 PS.

Clio (K9K, 2005–2012) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 101–106 PS.

Clio (D4F, 2005–2012) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Failure = Bent Valves, Crankshaft Bearing Damage from Condensation, Valve Clearance Adjustment Required. Power: 73–79 PS.

Clio (K4M, 2005–2012) — 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, 2006–2012) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Replacement Involved and Costly, Oil Consumption from Coked Piston Rings, Ignition Coils Under Intake Manifold. Power: 136–139 PS.

Clio (F4R-RS, 2006–2012) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Wear from Sporting Use, Timing Belt: High Workshop Costs from Poor Access, Oil Loss from Sporting Use. Power: 201 PS.

Clio (D4Ft, 2007–2012) — Be Careful: Timing Belt More Critical in Turbocharged Context, Increased Oil Consumption from Turbocharger, Wastegate Valve Wears Prematurely. Power: 101–103 PS.

Clio (D4F, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Failure = Bent Valves, Crankshaft Bearing Damage from Condensation, Valve Clearance Adjustment Required. Power: 58–65 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 3 have? +
The Renault Clio 3 has 36 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Renault Clio 3? +
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-RS (2.0L Turbo RS). Problem engine: K9K (1.5L dCi) — stay away!
Which Renault Clio 3 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Renault Clio 3. 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 3 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Renault Clio 3 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 7,500 rpm, no turbo lag, no artificial soundtrack. The F4R in the Clio RS III sings at high revs like a small race engine and smells of hot metal when pushed. The steering is so direct that road cracks can be felt through the palms. Light, agile, without digital filters between driver and road. Anyone who has driven one properly understands why the RS community celebrates it as a generational car.
Is the Renault Clio 3 worth buying used? +
The Renault Clio 3 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Clio 3? +
The Renault Clio 3 is available with engine variants from 58 to 273 hp. Petrol: D4F (1.2L 16V), D4Ft (1.2L TCe), K4J (1.4L 16V), K4M (1.6L 16V), F4R (2.0L 16V), F4R-RS (2.0L Turbo RS). Diesel: K9K (1.5L dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee