MajorCommonEngine

Renault Clio: K9K 1.5 dCi DPF Blockage from Urban Use

K9K 1.5 dCi DPF Blockage from Urban Use is a common engine fault on the Renault Clio on the 2009–2019 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $350 to $2,200 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 15 documented faults on the Renault Clio.

Vehicle: Renault Clio
Engine: 1.5L
Years: 2009–2019
Fuel: diesel
System: Engine

This page covers the Renault Clio as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Renault Clio faults15 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Diesel particulate filter yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The diesel particulate filter on K9K-equipped Clio models requires periodic passive regeneration at sustained highway speeds above 60 km/h for 20–30 minutes. Vehicles used predominantly for short urban trips under 15 km cannot complete regeneration, causing progressive soot accumulation. A fully blocked DPF triggers limp mode, and if ignored, the resulting exhaust backpressure can damage the turbocharger and EGR valve, significantly escalating repair costs.

What you would notice

DPF warning light illuminated on dashboard
Loss of power and entry into limp mode
Increased fuel consumption
Cooling fans running after engine shutdown during failed regeneration

How to check it

Where to look. Exhaust system underfloor, after catalytic converter

Check DPF differential pressure sensor live data.
Ask the owner about typical journey length and whether the DPF light has previously illuminated.
Check exhaust for excessive soot output at startup.
If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect diagnostic scanner and read DPF soot load percentage — above 70% is high risk.

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter.

What it costs to put right

$350 to $2,200 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Is this car used mainly for short city trips or regular highway driving?”
“Has the DPF warning light ever come on?”
“Has the DPF been chemically cleaned or replaced?”

Now check the Renault Clio you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Renault Clio buyer questions

Is k9k 1.5 dci dpf blockage from urban use serious on a Renault Clio?

We rate it major and common on the Renault Clio. The diesel particulate filter on K9K-equipped Clio models requires periodic passive regeneration at sustained highway speeds above 60 km/h for 20–30 minutes. Vehicles used predominantly for short urban trips under 15 km cannot complete regeneration, causing progressive soot accumulation. A fully blocked DPF triggers limp mode, and if ignored, the resulting exhaust backpressure can damage the turbocharger and EGR valve, significantly escalating repair costs.

How much does it cost to fix on a Renault Clio?

$350 to $2,200 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Renault Clio years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2009–2019 Renault Clio. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Check DPF differential pressure sensor live data. Ask the owner about typical journey length and whether the DPF light has previously illuminated. Check exhaust for excessive soot output at startup. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect diagnostic scanner and read DPF soot load percentage — above 70% is high risk. Look here: Exhaust system underfloor, after catalytic converter