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Renault · Supermini · 2019–2025 Custom Search

Renault Clio 5

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.8 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

91–101 PS

1.0L TCe Benzin

Turbo Three-Cylinder

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

65–73 PS

1.0L SCe Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

61–116 PS

1.5L dCi Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Renault Clio 5 is available with 5 engine variants — from 61 to 116 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L dCi · Diesel· 86–116 PS Engine Change
2019 2023
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2019 2023
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.0L SCe · Petrol· 65–72 PS Engine Change
2019 2025
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2019 2023
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.0L TCe · Petrol· 101 PS
2019 2025
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
1.0L TCe LPG · LPG· 101 PS
2020 2025
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L E-Tech Hybrid · Petrol Hybrid· 140 PS
2020 2025
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Renault 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 86–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: K9K (2019–2023, Stay Away!) and K9K (2019–2023, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L dCi!

The Renault 1.0L SCe (Petrol, 65–72 PS) comes with 2 different engines: H4D (2019–2025, Good Choice) and H4D (2019–2023, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L SCe!

The Renault 1.0L TCe (Petrol, 101 PS) has the H5H-1.0 (1.0L TCe) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.0L TCe LPG (LPG, 101 PS) has the H5H-1.0-LPG (1.0L TCe LPG) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.6L E-Tech Hybrid (Petrol Hybrid, 140 PS) has the H4M-FHEV (1.6L E-Tech Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖E-Tech hybrid: gearbox oil enters electric motor

On the E-Tech hybrid drive, gearbox oil can enter the electric motor through a defective O-ring. Result: sudden loss of drive. A recall affected approximately 330,000 vehicles (production 04/2020–04/2023), software update required.

Symptoms: Warning "electric motor fault", erratic shifting, power loss while driving, car won't start
from 60,000 km
Ad O-Ring Elektromotor Renault E-TechClio V E-Tech Hybrid repair
 High
!Multimedia system fails

The multimedia and infotainment system of the Clio V occasionally fails completely. Erroneous emergency brake assist warnings and problems with the start-stop system are documented complaints.

Symptoms: Black screen, unfounded emergency brake warning, start-stop not working
Ad EASY LINK Renault Clio VInfotainment Renault Clio 5
 Medium
●Driver assistance system malfunctions

Driver assistance systems such as lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking occasionally malfunction. Software updates often help but don't always resolve the problem permanently.

Symptoms: Unfounded warning messages, system deactivates itself
Ad Frontkamera Clio Vcontrol unit ADAS Renault Clio 5
 Medium
●Multimedia system freezes or reboots

The OpenR-Link infotainment system on the Clio V freezes regularly or spontaneously reboots, especially after software updates. The reversing camera can fail completely.

Symptoms: Black screen, navigation reboots, reversing camera shows no image.
from 30,000 km
Ad Renault Clio V DisplayRenault OpenR Link
 Low

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD TÜV-Report

Above average

The fifth Clio shows notable quality improvements over its predecessors and registers below-average defect rates. Minor weaknesses remain in the foot brake and parking brake.

2024-11

Alternatives

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Hyundai i20 BC3-FL

Supermini (2023–2026)

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Hyundai Bayon BC3

Supermini (2021–2024)

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Skoda Fabia PJ

Supermini (2021–2025)

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Dacia Sandero III

Supermini (2020–2026)

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Fiat 500e 332

Supermini (2020–2026)

Same Segment

Honda Jazz GR

Supermini (2020–2024)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 33 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Clio 5 (2019–2025) — 25 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. One problem engine: K9K (1.5L dCi). Typical issues affect Electronics, Other, Suspension, Gearbox. Considered reliable: H4D (1.0L SCe), H5H-1.0 (1.0L TCe), H5H-1.0-LPG (1.0L TCe LPG).

Clio (K9K, 2019–2023) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 86–90 PS.

Clio (K9K, 2019–2023) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 110–116 PS.

Clio (H4M-FHEV, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Electric Motor Fault, Hybrid Battery Capacity Loss, Gearbox Oil Seal Leak (Motor-Gearbox Interface). Power: 91–94 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 5 have? +
The Renault Clio 5 has 25 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Renault Clio 5? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: H4D (1.0L SCe), H5H-1.0 (1.0L TCe), H5H-1.0-LPG (1.0L TCe LPG). The most reliable engine is the H4D (1.0L SCe) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the H5H-1.0 (1.0L TCe). Problem engine: K9K (1.5L dCi) — stay away!
Which Renault Clio 5 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Renault Clio 5. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Renault Clio 5 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Renault Clio 5 — rated: "Decent". {description} 100 hp TCe in the Clio V — lively three-cylinder with enough punch for daily use. Direct steering makes the Clio feel agile.
Is the Renault Clio 5 worth buying used? +
The Renault Clio 5 is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Clio 5? +
The Renault Clio 5 is available with engine variants from 61 to 116 hp. Petrol: H4D (1.0L SCe), H5H-1.0 (1.0L TCe), H4M-FHEV (1.6L E-Tech Hybrid). Diesel: K9K (1.5L dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee