Renault Clio RS
1.6-litre turbo in the Clio RS IV with timing chain and 200–220 hp — mechanically fundamentally solid, but the EDC dual-clutch gearbox (Phase 1) is considered a weak point and shows jerky behaviour in urban traffic. The engine itself tolerates high mileages with diligent maintenance; short oil change intervals recommended for spirited use.
RS Without a Gear Lever
200 hp RS with EDC dual clutch — strong chassis and good grip, but the missing manual gearbox costs emotion.
Engine Weaknesses 4
As a direct injector without port injection the M5M 1.6 TCe builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves over time. Power loss can occur after 60,000–80,000 km.
Symptoms: Power loss, hesitation at part throttle, increased fuel consumption
The turbocharger on the M5M 1.6 TCe wears with long oil change intervals and frequent short trips. Oil in the intercooler is an early sign of a worn turbo shaft seal.
Symptoms: Oil in the intercooler hose, whistling noises, power loss
The EDC dual-clutch gearbox in the Kadjar and Scenic IV with M5M tends to judder on pull-away and develop shift issues, especially at low-rev partial throttle. Regular gearbox oil changes every 50,000 km are essential.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, delayed gear changes, gearbox warning
The M5M 1.6 TCe consumes up to 0.5 litres of oil per 1,000 km in normal operation, which Renault declares as acceptable. Consumption can increase under sporting use or heavy load.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between changes, 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.
