Keycard reader / immobiliser
usually 60,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: 'Card not detected', won't start
Fix: Repair or replace the card reader
€150–450
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Renault Clio III
2005–2012 · Renault Clio 3
3
engines covered
17
known faults
132,741
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
8
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Renault Clio III was built from 2005 to 2012.
For this generation we cover 3 engines and 17 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Crankshaft bearing wear: it usually appears at 180,000–280,000 km and costs €1,500–3,000 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (35.2 %), suspension (25.0 %), steering (12.1 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: suspension, steering, lights, wipers and visibility. It fails less often than average on: exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F) | Petrol | Belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo | 5W-40 / 10W-40 · Renault RN0700 · ~4.0 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M) | Petrol | Belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo | 5W-40 / 10W-40 · Renault RN0700 / RN0710 · ~4.8 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.5 dCi (K9K) | Diesel | Belt · 120,000 km / every 72 mo | 5W-30 · Renault RN0720 (DPF) / RN0710 · ~4.5 L · every 10,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Window regulators
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Window drops or jams
Fix: Replace the regulator
€80–200
Electronic parking brake (Scénic / Espace)
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Parking brake warning, won't release
Fix: Repair or replace the actuator
€250–800
Boot / tailgate lock
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Boot won't open
Fix: Replace the lock / switch
€60–200
Faults by engine
1.2 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F)
Ignition coils
usually 120,000–280,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Misfire
Fix: Replace coil
€60–180
Throttle body / idle
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Unstable idle
Fix: Clean throttle body
€50–150
Oil consumption / head gasket (high mileage)
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Topping up, coolant loss
Fix: Repair
€300–900
1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M)
Ignition coils
usually 120,000–280,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Misfire, flashing engine light — very common
Fix: Replace coil (and plugs)
€60–200
Camshaft variator (VVT) rattle
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Diesel-like rattle for a few seconds on start
Fix: Replace the variator pulley with the belt
€200–400
Oil leaks (cam cover / seals)
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Oil drips, burning smell
Fix: Replace gaskets
€80–250
Timing belt tensioner (early failures)
usually 60,000–90,000 km · High risk
Signs: Belt failure bends valves
Fix: Replace belt kit with water pump on time
€250–500
1.5 dCi (K9K)
Injector wear
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, smoke
Fix: Replace injectors
€600–1,400
Crankshaft bearing wear
usually 180,000–280,000 km · High risk
Signs: Knock under load; worse on older engines
Fix: Keep oil changes at 10,000 km
€1,500–3,000
EGR / DPF
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace
€250–1,200
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
DP0 / AL4 (4-speed automatic)
DP0 / AL4 solenoids / pressure regulator
usually 80,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Gearbox warning, limp mode, harsh shifts
Fix: Solenoids / pressure sensor; fluid change
€300–1,500
Quickshift / Easy-R (automated)
Clutch actuator / hydraulic unit
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: Won't select a gear, 'gearbox fault', jerky shifts
Fix: Repair or replace the actuator; clutch re-learn
€500–1,500
Clutch wear (automated)
usually 80,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, harsh engagement
Fix: Replace clutch + re-learn
€500–1,000
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.2 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 90,000 km or every 60 months | €450–900 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 132,741 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 | 250+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 3.9 % | 7.3 % | 11.1 % | 13.5 % | 15.2 % | 16.8 % |
| Suspension | 11.7 % | 19.7 % | 25.0 % | 27.0 % | 28.9 % | 29.7 % |
| Steering | 3.5 % | 7.4 % | 12.1 % | 14.5 % | 14.9 % | 15.7 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 4.6 % | 6.4 % | 8.5 % | 9.5 % | 10.2 % | 11.0 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 14.8 % | 26.4 % | 35.2 % | 38.5 % | 39.3 % | 37.9 % |
| Body and corrosion | 2.9 % | 4.4 % | 5.8 % | 6.8 % | 6.9 % | 6.7 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 1.1 % | 2.0 % | 3.9 % | 5.5 % | 7.0 % | 7.1 % |
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (8). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Lights Dipped headlight may fail to light the road ahead to sufficient level03/04/2018 · R/2018/094
- Wheels / tyres Central hinge in rear seats may fail under load29/01/2018 · R/2018/024
- Suspension / axles Wipers may not perform as intended07/03/2017 · R/2016/192
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Braking efficiency may be reduced21/08/2014 · R/2014/086
- Suspension / axles Potential loss of control12/03/2013 · R/2013/033
- Engine / loss of power Valve cotter fault could lead to destruction of the engine01/09/2011 · R/2011/118
- Fire risk Stop light failure13/04/2007 · R/2007/044
- Lights Gearbox may malfunction24/10/2006 · R/2006/176
Other generations
Renault Clio II 1998–2012Renault Clio IV 2012–2019Renault Clio V 2019–
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 07/10/2026