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Renault1998–2019 Critical issues documented

Renault Clio III: common faults & what to check

The III is the Renault Clio built 2006–2013. It was sold here with the 1.6 petrol and 2.0 (RS). Of the 15 faults documented for the Clio, 7 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Renault Clio

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

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15

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$600–$2,500

Typical repair

4

Systems covered

You're looking at the III

2 engine variants are documented for this generation. Pick yours to narrow further, or keep reading for the generation as a whole.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

A 2006 Renault Clio is the III generation (2006 to 2013).

Start your free check on this Renault Clio

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Renault Clio IIIEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Clio came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Renault Clio · 2006

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Renault Clio before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Switch on ignition and check for EPS warning light.

    See why

    Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure

    Clio III models with electric power steering are prone to failure of the column-mounted assist motor and its control module. Loss of power assistance occurs suddenly, leaving full manual steering load on the driver. The fault is documented in Renault technical service notes and is a frequent WOF rejection item in NZ. The column assembly is not field-serviceable; full replacement is typically required.

    What you would notice

    • Sudden loss of power steering assistance, especially at low speed or parking
    • EPS warning light on instrument cluster
    • Intermittent heavy steering before permanent failure
    • C-series fault codes stored in steering control module

    Typically $900–$2,200 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    On the test drive do slow full-lock turns in a car park and feel for any moment where the assistance drops out or the wheel goes heavy.

    See why

    Electric power-steering (EPS) column failure

    The Clio III uses an electric power-steering motor built into the steering column rather than a hydraulic pump, and the column's electronics and motor are a well-known weak point. As they fail the steering goes heavy without warning, usually with a 'STOP' or steering warning light. Early on it is intermittent (heavy for a moment, then normal), but once it fails fully the steering is heavy all the time, which is dangerous at parking speeds and on the open road. A reconditioned column or motor fixes it; ignoring it risks being left with unassisted steering.

    What you would notice

    • Steering suddenly heavy then normal again
    • Steering/STOP warning light on dash
    • Vibration or notchiness through the wheel when turning
    • Heavy steering at parking speed

    Typically $600–$1,400 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect the passenger footwell for moisture evidence.

    See why

    UCH/BCM Body Control Module Failure

    The Renault UCH (Unite Centrale Habitacle) body control module manages the immobilizer, central locking, power windows, lighting, dashboard functions, and wipers. Failure is triggered by voltage spikes during jump-starting, water ingress into the module housing, or age-related capacitor degradation. Symptoms span multiple unrelated systems simultaneously. Replacement requires specialist programming and pairing to the vehicle's immobilizer system — an off-the-shelf swap does not work.

    What you would notice

    • No-start condition with all dashboard warning lights on simultaneously
    • Central locking and windows failing at the same time
    • Multiple unrelated fault codes across different systems
    • Intermittent complete electrical shutdown

    Typically $300–$1,300 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Run every window fully up and down several times.

    See why

    Electric window regulator failure

    The front electric window mechanisms (regulators) on the Clio III commonly develop play or fail, so a window drops in the door, jams part-way, or the motor buzzes without the glass moving. It is a mechanical wear item in the door rather than a safety issue, but a stuck-down window is a security and weather problem and both front doors can go. Replacement regulators are inexpensive; the labour is trimming the door card off and back on.

    What you would notice

    • Window slow, jerky or stops half-way
    • Motor buzzes but glass does not move
    • Window rattles or sits crooked in the door
    • Window has dropped into the door

    Typically $180–$400 to put right.

See all 7 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.
Electrical4

01Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure

Switch on ignition and check for EPS warning light.petrol2005–2012Electrical
CommonElectrical $900–$2,200 to fix

Clio III models with electric power steering are prone to failure of the column-mounted assist motor and its control module. Loss of power assistance occurs suddenly, leaving full manual steering load on the driver. The fault is documented in Renault technical service notes and is a frequent WOF rejection item in NZ. The column assembly is not field-serviceable; full replacement is typically required.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden loss of power steering assistance, especially at low speed or parking
  • EPS warning light on instrument cluster
  • Intermittent heavy steering before permanent failure
  • C-series fault codes stored in steering control module

What to check

Switch on ignition and check for EPS warning light. Drive at parking speed and confirm consistent assist. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect diagnostic tool and read steering module for stored fault codes.

Where to look: Steering column assembly, beneath dashboard

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the steering ever felt heavy or logged a fault?”
  • “Has the steering column or EPS module been replaced?”
  • “Are there any current warning lights on the dashboard?”

02Electric power-steering (EPS) column failure

On the test drive do slow full-lock turns in a car park and feel for any moment where the assistance drops out or the wheel goes heavy.2006–2013ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03UCH/BCM Body Control Module Failure

Inspect the passenger footwell for moisture evidence.2005–2019ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04Electric window regulator failure

Run every window fully up and down several times.2006–2013Electrical
CommonElectrical $180–$400 to fix

The front electric window mechanisms (regulators) on the Clio III commonly develop play or fail, so a window drops in the door, jams part-way, or the motor buzzes without the glass moving. It is a mechanical wear item in the door rather than a safety issue, but a stuck-down window is a security and weather problem and both front doors can go. Replacement regulators are inexpensive; the labour is trimming the door card off and back on.

Symptoms to notice

  • Window slow, jerky or stops half-way
  • Motor buzzes but glass does not move
  • Window rattles or sits crooked in the door
  • Window has dropped into the door

What to check

  1. Run every window fully up and down several times.
  2. Listen for grinding or a motor that runs with no movement, and check the glass sits square and does not rattle when shut.
  3. Try each door, as more than one can be affected.

Where to look: Inside the front doors (window regulator and motor)

Ask the seller

  • “Do all four windows work smoothly up and down?”
  • “Has any window regulator or motor been replaced?”
Depends on the exact engine — 3 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling3

01D4F 1.2 16v Cam Belt Overdue Replacement Risk

Request written evidence of timing belt replacement date and mileage.petrol1998–2016Engine
OccasionalEngine $380–$5,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The D4F 1.2 16v petrol engine uses a rubber timing belt that requires replacement every five years or 80,000 km regardless of apparent condition. This is an interference-type engine: a snapped or jumped belt causes immediate piston-to-valve contact, resulting in bent valves and, in most cases, an engine that cannot be economically repaired. Many pre-owned examples in NZ and AU arrive without documented belt history, significantly elevating failure risk.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine stops suddenly without warning or misfires
  • Rattling from front of engine on start-up
  • Loss of compression on any cylinder
  • Starter motor cranks but engine does not fire after belt snap

What to check

  1. Request written evidence of timing belt replacement date and mileage.
  2. Verify water pump and tensioner were replaced concurrently with the belt, as water pump failure can drag the belt off.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the upper plastic timing cover and inspect belt condition — look for cracking, glazing, fraying on edges, or contamination by oil or coolant.

Where to look: Front of engine behind plastic cover, driver's side

Parts involved: Timing belt.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the cam belt last replaced and by whom?”
  • “Was the water pump and tensioner replaced at the same service?”

02K9K 1.5 dCi Common Rail Injector Failure

Cold-start and warm the engine fully, then listen for metallic tapping at idle.diesel2005–2019EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03K9K 1.5 dCi EGR Valve Carbon Seizure

Check for black smoke at idle with engine warm.diesel2001–2013Engine
Very commonEngine $350–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Renault-Nissan K9K 1.5 dCi diesel engine in Clio II and III diesel variants is widely documented for EGR valve seizure caused by carbon deposit buildup on the valve seat and bore. A stuck-open EGR causes rough idle, limp mode, and black smoke. The inlet manifold typically requires removal and decarbonisation at the same service. Confirmed across multiple NZ and Australian independent diesel workshops as a routine high-mileage failure.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough or hunting idle at operating temperature
  • Black smoke from exhaust at idle or light throttle
  • Limp mode or reduced power warning light
  • P0400 or P0401 EGR flow fault code

What to check

  1. Check for black smoke at idle with engine warm.
  2. Scan for EGR fault codes.
  3. Inspect air intake tract and inlet manifold ports for heavy carbon deposit buildup.
  4. Test EGR valve movement if accessible.

Where to look: Inlet manifold, upper engine — EGR valve mounted between exhaust and intake

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EGR valve been cleaned or replaced?”
  • “Does the car mostly do short trips or highway running?”
  • “Has it ever gone into limp mode or shown an engine warning?”
Other Renault Clio engines and years8 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Engine, transmission & cooling6

011.2 TCe Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure

Start cold and listen for chain rattle from the cam cover area in the first 30 seconds.petrol2012–2019EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

021.2 TCe (H5Ft) timing-chain wear and heavy oil consumption

Check the oil level on the dipstick yourself – a low or near-empty level on a recently serviced car is a red flag.petrol2013–2019EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03H4D 1.0 TCe Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start

Start engine from cold and listen for chain rattle from the front-top of the engine.petrol2019 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $900–$3,200 to fix

Does not apply

The H4D 1.0 three-cylinder turbocharged engine fitted to Clio V uses a timing chain rather than the belt-in-oil design of its predecessor, but the chain tensioner and guides are sensitive to low oil pressure during cold starts. A characteristic rattle on cold start indicates chain slack before oil pressure builds. Continued driving with chain rattle leads to chain stretch, timing variance, and ultimately chain jump causing serious engine damage. The issue is worsened by infrequent oil changes or low-viscosity oil use.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Rattle from engine top-end for several seconds on cold start
  • Rattle worsens in cold weather or after car sits overnight
  • Chain noise that diminishes once oil pressure builds
  • Rough idle on cold start accompanied by chain noise
  • Engine warning light in advanced cases of chain stretch

What to check

Start engine from cold and listen for chain rattle from the front-top of the engine. Noise should disappear within 5 seconds if tensioner is healthy. Check oil service history — irregular servicing is a strong risk indicator. If a workshop inspection is possible: A diagnostic scan may reveal VVT or timing deviation codes.

Where to look: Timing chain and tensioner, top-front of engine

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the engine make a rattling noise for a few seconds on cold start?”
  • “How regularly has the oil been changed and what oil specification was used?”
  • “Has any dealer or mechanic mentioned the timing chain tensioner?”

04EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Cold Shudder and Clutch Pack Wear

Test drive from cold — drive at walking pace in a car park and assess smoothness.petrol2012–2019TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

051.5 dCi injector and DPF/EGR problems

Ask how the car is used – a short-trip town car is more likely to have a clogged DPF.diesel2013–2019EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

06K9K 1.5 dCi DPF Blockage from Urban Use

Check DPF differential pressure sensor live data.diesel2009–2019EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Electrical1

01E-TECH Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Module Cell Failure

Request a hybrid system diagnostic scan and review for any stored battery fault codes.hybrid2019 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $2,000–$7,000 to fix

Does not apply

The Clio V E-TECH full hybrid uses a Renault-proprietary high-voltage battery pack composed of multiple cell modules. Individual cell module failures cause the system to reduce available power or disable hybrid operation entirely, defaulting to conventional engine use only and generating fault codes. In more severe cases the battery management system isolates the pack, requiring specialist diagnosis and module replacement. This is a documented issue in European markets and appears on early Clio V E-TECH examples now entering the NZ used market as grey imports.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hybrid system warning light on dash
  • Loss of EV mode or reduced hybrid power
  • Car running exclusively on petrol with battery icon showing fault
  • Reduced fuel economy compared to quoted figures
  • Fault codes referencing battery module or cell voltage imbalance

What to check

  1. Request a hybrid system diagnostic scan and review for any stored battery fault codes.
  2. Verify the hybrid battery temperature and voltage readouts are within range.
  3. Check battery cooling vents are clear.
  4. Ask whether the car has been back to a Renault dealer for any battery-related warranty work.

Where to look: High-voltage hybrid battery under rear seat or boot floor

Ask the seller

  • “Has the hybrid system warning light appeared and what was the diagnosis?”
  • “Has the car been to a Renault dealer or hybrid specialist for battery inspection?”
  • “Is the fuel economy consistent with the car's rated hybrid figures?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Front Brake Caliper Sticking and Seizure

After a short test drive, carefully feel each front wheel near the centre — a seized caliper will make that wheel noticeably hotter than the other.2012–2019Brakes
CommonBrakes $280–$700 to fix

Does not apply

Front brake calipers on Clio IV are known to seize or stick due to corrosion of the caliper slider pins and piston seal deterioration. A stuck caliper causes the brake pad to drag against the disc, causing rapid and uneven pad and disc wear, excessive brake heat, pulling under braking, and risk of brake fade. Calipers are exposed to road salt and water on NZ roads and seize faster than expected on cars with infrequent brake servicing. Replacement is typically required rather than rebuild once seizure is established.

Symptoms to notice

  • Car pulling to one side under braking
  • Brake disc or wheel hot after normal driving
  • Grinding or rubbing noise from front brakes
  • Uneven pad wear between left and right
  • Burnt brake smell from one front wheel

What to check

  1. After a short test drive, carefully feel each front wheel near the centre — a seized caliper will make that wheel noticeably hotter than the other.
  2. Check pad thickness and look for uneven wear between left and right.
  3. Push brake caliper slider pins to check free movement.

Where to look: Front brake calipers, both sides

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front brake calipers or slider pins been serviced or replaced?”
  • “Does the car pull to one side when braking?”
  • “When were the front brake pads and discs last replaced?”

Renault Clio faults in detail

Narrowed to the Renault Clio · 2006. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

Electric power-steering (EPS) column failureMajor · ElectricalK9K 1.5 dCi Common Rail Injector FailureMajor · EngineUCH/BCM Body Control Module FailureMajor · Electrical

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Renault Clio’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Renault models

Renault Megane27 documented faultsRenault Koleos17 documented faultsRenault Trafic15 documented faultsRenault Lutecia11 documented faultsRenault Laguna8 documented faultsRenault Captur6 documented faults

Renault Clio buyer questions

Is the Renault Clio reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 15 documented faults for the Renault Clio, the recurring problem areas are electrical, engine, and transmission. A Renault Clio with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Renault Clio?

We've catalogued 15 known faults for the Renault Clio, covering electrical, engine, and transmission. All 15 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Renault Clio?

Most single repairs on the Renault Clio fall between $600–$2,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 15 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Renault Clio?

Yes. A Renault Clio inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.