What weaknesses does the Renault Clio 4 have?

The Renault 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 75–116 PS) comes with 3 different engines: K9K (2012–2019, Stay Away!) and K9K (2012–2019, Stay Away!) and K9K (2016–2019, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L dCi!

The Renault 0.9L TCe (Petrol, 76–90 PS) comes with 2 different engines: H4B (2012–2019, Good Choice) and H4B (2018–2019, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 0.9L TCe!

The Renault 1.2L 16V (Petrol, 73–75 PS) has the D4F (1.2L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.2L TCe (Petrol, 118–120 PS) has the H5F (1.2L TCe) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault Clio RS (Petrol, 200 PS) has the M5M (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Renault Clio RS Trophy (Petrol, 220 PS) has the M5M (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

	Weakness	Cost
✖	Subframe bolts come loose Bolts on the front subframe can work loose over time and lead to driving instability. A recall affected several production years. MOT inspections often reveal this. Symptoms: Creaking or rattling noises from the front when braking or steering, unstable handling. from 80,000 km Ad Renault Clio IV subframe Schrauben Renault Clio IV subframe	Low
!	Suspension springs and shock absorbers prone to failure Despite improvements over the predecessor, suspension components and springs are flagged above-average at MOT on the Clio IV. Sway bar links wear regularly. Symptoms: Knocking, MOT suspension defects, unstable road holding from 80,000 km Ad drop link Clio IV shock absorber Renault Clio 4 spring Clio IV	Low

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD TÜV-Report

Below average

The fourth generation fails predominantly due to suspension defects. Incorrectly aimed dipped headlights from the third MOT onwards are a primary fault, alongside brake lines and brake disc wear.

2024-11

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 29 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Clio 4 (2012–2019) — 22 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: H5F (1.2L TCe), K9K (1.5L dCi). Typical issues affect Suspension, Interior, Brakes, Electronics. Considered reliable: H4B (0.9L TCe).

Clio (K9K, 2012–2019) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 75 PS.

Clio (K9K, 2012–2019) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 86–90 PS.

Clio (K9K, 2016–2019) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 110–116 PS.

Clio (D4F, 2012–2016) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Failure = Bent Valves, Crankshaft Bearing Damage from Condensation, Valve Clearance Adjustment Required. Power: 73–75 PS.

Clio (H5F, 2013–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches Prematurely, Turbocharger Failure, Electric Water Pump Failure. Power: 118–120 PS.

Clio (M5M, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Intake Port Carbon Build-Up (Direct Injection), Turbocharger Wear, EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder. Power: 200 PS.

Clio (M5M, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Intake Port Carbon Build-Up (Direct Injection), Turbocharger Wear, EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder. Power: 220 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 4 have? +

The Renault Clio 4 has 22 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Renault Clio 4? +

faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: H4B (0.9L TCe). The most reliable engine is the H4B (0.9L TCe) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the M5M (1.6L Turbo). Problem engine: H5F (1.2L TCe) — stay away!

Which Renault Clio 4 engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Renault Clio 4. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Renault Clio 4 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Renault Clio 4 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 200 hp RS with EDC dual clutch — strong chassis and good grip, but the missing manual gearbox costs emotion.

Is the Renault Clio 4 worth buying used? +

Caution is advised with the Renault Clio 4 — 2 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Clio 4? +

The Renault Clio 4 is available with engine variants from 58 to 205 hp. Petrol: D4F (1.2L 16V), H4B (0.9L TCe), H5F (1.2L TCe), M5M (1.6L Turbo). Diesel: K9K (1.5L dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee