Renault Koleos 2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Koleos II (2016–2023) is Renault's large SUV on the Nissan X-Trail platform — lots of space, comfort and boot room at prices below the German competition. In Germany sold almost only as a diesel, around half with all-wheel drive. A solid family vehicle with noticeable quality variation — not junk, but you should know the weak spots.
The calmest buy is the R9M (1.6 dCi) as a manual with front-wheel drive — it sidesteps both the problematic CVT and the AWD differential. Adequate for high-mileage drivers with motorway use, given a healthy DPF. The M9R (2.0 dCi) as a manual, front-wheel drive, is the punchier low-worry variant. It gets tricky with the combination of M9R, X-Tronic CVT and AWD: the CVT whines by design (officially acknowledged by Renault as unfixable), and the rear differential can fail on individual cars as early as 80,000 km. Coolant ingress into the gearbox oil cooler can, at worst, destroy gearbox and differential at once.
Three themes define the Koleos II. First the CVT whine and, in the worst case, the expensive gearbox failure. Second, on AWD models, the rear differential. Third the above-average brake wear — pads and discs often due every 25,000–35,000 km, down to the high weight.
Test drive: On CVT models have the gearbox oil checked (dark brown/black = a bad sign) and listen for a metallic whine at low revs. Check the coolant level and the discs' remaining thickness. On AWD watch for uneven rear tyre wear. Test the R-Link infotainment for freezes.
Market 2026: Early models (2016–2018, high mileage) $8,500–15,000, mid years $15,000–21,000, late models under 60,000 km $21,000–30,000.
Insider pick: An R9M (1.6 dCi) as a manual with front-wheel drive, well-kept and with service book. It completely avoids the most expensive weak-spot combination (CVT + AWD differential) and gives you a comfortable, roomy SUV whose biggest risks simply aren't fitted.
175 PS
Koleos · Diesel
Comfort SUV
Decent116–163 PS
1.3L TCe Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good Choice131–163 PS
1.6L dCi Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Renault Koleos 2 is available with 2 engine variants — from 116 to 200 hp.
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain and up to 160 hp in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.0-litre diesel developed jointly with Nissan with timing chain and good fundamental long-term robustness — with correct maintenance well over 300,000 km is possible. Weak point is the turbocharger boost pressure control on early examples (2005–2006). Timing chain can start to rattle from 200,000 km; oil quality is critical.
- !! Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage from 150,000 km
On the M9R the valve cover also serves as the camshaft bearing — both parts are machined together. A damaged valve cover during injector removal will inevitably destroy the cylinder head as well.
Symptoms: Damage occurs during improper repair; no prior warning - !! Coolant Loss / Seal Damage from 180,000 km
Faulty seals or cracks in the M9R engine block can lead to coolant loss. Overheating threatens if the problem is not detected early — especially at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Falling coolant level, overheating warning, white smoke from exhaust - !! Timing chain stretch from 200,000 km
The 2.0 dCi uses a timing chain that stretches at high mileage and wears the sprockets. If the chain jumps, valve damage follows. Replacement usually requires removing the engine and is correspondingly costly.
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start from the front timing chain area that fades once warm
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| X-Tronic CVT: rubber-band effect and noises The X-Tronic CVT gearbox shows high revs without corresponding acceleration (rubber-band effect) under hard acceleration and produces characteristic noises in part-throttle operation. Symptoms: High engine revs without corresponding acceleration, humming from gearbox from 100,000 km | High |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Koleos 2 (2016–2024) — 26 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. One problem engine: R9M (1.6L dCi). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Interior, Suspension. Considered reliable: H5H-1.3 (1.3L TCe).
Koleos (M9R, 2017–2019) — Be Careful: Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage, Timing chain stretch. Power: 177 PS.
Koleos (R9M, 2017–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 131 PS.
Koleos (R9N, 2019–2020) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Recall: Fuel Line Fire Hazard, AdBlue System / SCR Catalytic Converter Fault. Power: 150 PS.
Koleos (M9R, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage, Timing chain stretch. Power: 177–190 PS.
What to watch out for with the Renault Koleos? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Renault Koleos 2 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Renault Koleos 2? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Renault Koleos 2 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Renault Koleos 2 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Renault Koleos 2 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Koleos 2? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee