Renault Clio
Three-cylinder turbo with timing chain, developed in cooperation with Nissan — fundamentally solid construction, but oil quality is critical: with neglected oil changes the chain can start rattling from around 150,000 km. Increased oil consumption is known in a number of examples; short oil change intervals of 10,000 km recommended.
Small Turbo
75 hp TCe in the Clio IV — livelier than the same-output naturally aspirated engine thanks to the turbo. Adequate for city use.
Engine Weaknesses 3
The camshaft actuator solenoid on the H4B fails at higher mileages and causes misfires and fault codes. Known in the Twingo as a cold-start problem.
Symptoms: Rough running, misfires on cold start, camshaft control fault code
Lambda sensor failures are a known issue on the H4B 0.9 TCe, leading to increased fuel consumption, power loss and Euro 6 emissions problems.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, increased consumption, lambda sensor fault code
Like many small turbocharged engines, the H4B 0.9 TCe shows elevated oil consumption through the turbo bearing. Oil changes every 10,000 km instead of extended intervals are advisable.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, occasional blue smoke
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The 1.2 TCe 120 shows significantly increased oil consumption from around 80,000 km (up to 1 L/2,000 km). Oil starvation promotes timing chain stretch. The engine block must be completely removed for chain replacement — costs up to 2,500 €.
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.
Despite improvements over the predecessor, suspension components and springs are flagged above-average at MOT on the Clio IV. Sway bar links wear regularly.
Defective brake hoses and loose brake caliper pistons were documented during long-term testing. Brakes can be heavily worn as early as 50,000 km.
Rattling seats, paint defects at delivery and sharp plastic edges were documented. Navigation system and infotainment occasionally fail.
Lighting components continue to fail above-average on the Clio IV. TÜV reports confirm headlights and rear lights as weak points across the entire Clio range.
The R-Link navigation system responds slowly, freezes or shows display errors. GPS reception occasionally drops out. Software updates often help but not permanently.
Reports & Tests
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.
