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Renault · Compact SUV · 2015–2022 Custom Search

Renault Kadjar 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.2 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

116–163 PS

1.3L TCe Benzin

New Turbo

Decent
Problem Engine

101–132 PS

1.2L TCe Benzin

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Renault Kadjar 1 is available with 3 engine variants — from 61 to 163 hp.

1.5L dCi · Diesel· 110–116 PS
2015 2018
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.6L dCi · Diesel· 131 PS
2015 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.2L TCe · Petrol· 131 PS
2015 2018
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses

The Renault 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 110–116 PS) has the K9K (1.5L dCi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.6L dCi (Diesel, 131 PS) has the R9M (1.6L dCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.2L TCe (Petrol, 131 PS) has the H5F (1.2L TCe) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Increased brake wear

Due to the vehicle weight, brake discs and pads wear significantly faster than on small cars. TÜV reports document frequent rust and grooving already after three years.

Symptoms: Brake judder, squealing, reduced braking effectiveness on wet discs
from 40,000 km
Low

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD TÜV-Report

Average

The Kadjar shares its platform with the Nissan Qashqai and shows similar MOT weaknesses: suspension components and brake discs wear prematurely. Lighting is below average. The dual-clutch gearbox can jerk on pull-away.

2024-11

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Kadjar 1 (2015–2022) — 24 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: H5F (1.2L TCe), K9K (1.5L dCi). Typical issues affect Brakes, Electronics, Other, Interior.

Kadjar (K9K, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 110–116 PS.

Kadjar (R9M, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 131 PS.

Kadjar (R9N, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Recall: Fuel Line Fire Hazard, AdBlue System / SCR Catalytic Converter Fault. Power: 150 PS.

Kadjar (H5F, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches Prematurely, Turbocharger Failure, Electric Water Pump Failure. Power: 131 PS.

Kadjar (H5H-1.3, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Early Wear, Wastegate Failure After 80,000+ km, Direct Injection: Intake Port Carbon Build-Up. Power: 140 PS.

Kadjar (H5H-1.3, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Early Wear, Wastegate Failure After 80,000+ km, Direct Injection: Intake Port Carbon Build-Up. Power: 158–159 PS.

What to watch out for with the Renault Kadjar? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Renault Kadjar 1 have? +
The Renault Kadjar 1 has 24 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Renault Kadjar 1? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: H5H-1.3 (1.3L TCe), R9M (1.6L dCi), R9N (1.7L Blue dCi). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the H5H-1.3 (1.3L TCe). Problem engine: H5F (1.2L TCe) — stay away!
Which Renault Kadjar 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Renault Kadjar 1 — rated: "Decent". {description} 140 hp 1.3 TCe — punchy sound, sportier performance than the old 1.2 TCe.
Is the Renault Kadjar 1 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Renault Kadjar 1 — 2 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Kadjar 1? +
The Renault Kadjar 1 is available with engine variants from 61 to 163 hp. Petrol: H5F (1.2L TCe), H5H-1.3 (1.3L TCe). Diesel: K9K (1.5L dCi), R9M (1.6L dCi), R9N (1.7L Blue dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee