Renault Clio
LPG variant of the 1.0 TCe with factory-fitted gas system; technically identical to the petrol version. Service both gas system and petrol engine at fixed intervals. For used examples, check condition of gas system, filter change history and leaks at lines.
LPG Alternative
100 hp TCe with LPG option — same driving fun as the petrol version, cheaper to run. No noticeable restrictions.
Engine Weaknesses 5
LPG engines have increased intake port wear due to the drier burning of liquefied gas and are prone to faster valve seat recession. The H5H 1.0 with factory LPG requires more frequent valve checks.
Symptoms: Power loss in LPG mode, rough running on gas, compression drop
Identical to the H5H 1.0 TCe: the wastegate mechanism on the small turbo engine wears prematurely. LPG operation places additional stress on the turbine through higher exhaust temperatures.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling noises, no boost pressure build-up
The LPG gas pressure regulator LI18 on the factory LPG system of the H5H can fail, triggering fault code DTC 229322 LPG pressure too high. Repair costs around €300–600. Known from Dacia Sandero/Logan ECO-G.
Symptoms: Engine warning light; vehicle automatically switches to petrol mode; fault code P229322 on OBD scan.
Factory LPG systems use vaporisers that wear due to scale and deposits from the coolant circuit. The vaporiser loses efficiency over time, causing cold-start problems in LPG mode.
Symptoms: Poor cold start on LPG, switching problems from petrol to gas
In gas mode spark plugs wear significantly faster than on petrol. For the factory LPG engine H5H-1.0-LPG Renault recommends shortened change intervals — neglecting this risks misfires.
Symptoms: Slight hesitation on acceleration; increased fuel consumption; noticeable sooner in gas mode than on petrol.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Recall due to a faulty weld between the reinforcement plate and the locking bracket. Check whether the recall has already been carried out on affected vehicles.
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.
Individual vehicles (especially early production batches) show water pump failures below 40,000 km, which can cause timing belt damage. Particularly known on early build years.
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.
The Clio V also shows above-average defect rates at vehicle inspections for suspension and brakes. Sway bar links and brake systems are known weak points of the range.
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.
The OpenR-Link infotainment system on the Clio V freezes regularly or spontaneously reboots, especially after software updates. The reversing camera can fail completely.
Reports & Tests
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.
