Renault Kadjar 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
116–163 PS
1.3L TCe Benzin
New Turbo
Decent101–132 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.
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
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report
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.
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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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee