Renault Clio
Widely used 1.2 TCe four-cylinder with a structural problem: the oil pump intermittently under-supplies the timing chain tensioner, leading to chain rattle, camshaft adjuster wear and increased oil consumption. Consumption over 1 l/1,000 km is not uncommon. Always check oil consumption before purchase and listen for chain noise.
Strongest Base Clio
120 hp TCe in the Clio IV — noticeably more push, especially when overtaking. Well motorised.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The most well-known H5F problem: the timing chain stretches significantly — especially with short-trip use or missed oil changes — potentially causing rattling and engine damage from 70,000–100,000 km. Oil dilution from short trips accelerates wear.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, clattering on load changes, camshaft control fault code, engine damage
The H5F turbocharger suffers from oil supply problems, worsened by oil dilution from short trips and extended change intervals. Turbo damage is expensive.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo, blue smoke, power loss, no boost build-up
The electric water pump in the H5F hybrid derivatives (H5F index 600/601 in Austral/Espace) fails systematically in early build years, risking overheating and engine damage. Coolant losses are also known in the standard H5F.
Symptoms: Overheating warning, falling coolant level, coolant loss without visible leak
The H5F consumes increasing amounts of oil over its service life, often through worn piston rings or leaking valve stem seals. Values of 0.5–1.5 litres per 1,000 km are known from forum reports.
Symptoms: Oil level visibly drops between changes, blue smoke on acceleration
Faulty camshaft sensors and actuator solenoids trigger starting problems and fault codes. When the timing chain has stretched the symptoms worsen as valve timing drifts out of spec.
Symptoms: Hard starting, camshaft DTC fault, rough running
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.
