Diesel · 2012–2019
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Renault Clio 4All about the 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine
The 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine was fitted to the Renault Clio 4 (2012–2019). In the EU that is 48.1 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.5 90 hp, 1.5 75 hp, 1.5.
The most expensive known risk is DPF clogging, failed regenerations: it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €150–1,500 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Hard hot starting, rough idle, black smoke, power loss, return flow out of tolerance on the test
Fix: Return-flow (leak-off) test and live-data correction check; recondition or replace the faulty injectors with new copper seals
Signs: Jerky idle, black smoke, power loss, EGR fault codes (e.g. P0401); worse with short town trips
Fix: Check EGR position in live data; clean the valve and intake, replace the valve if it sticks or its motor fails
Signs: DPF warning, frequent or interrupted regenerations, limp mode; mostly cars used for short trips
Fix: Check the differential pressure sensor and EGR first, then forced regeneration, cleaning or replacement; use low-ash RN0720 oil
Signs: Whistling, blue smoke, oil use, loss of power or limp mode (P0299 underboost)
Fix: First check boost hoses and clamps and the intercooler pipes; if the turbo has play, replace it and clean or replace the oil feed line and check oil pressure
Signs: Oil level drops quickly between services, oil can reach the intake; risk of running low on oil
Fix: Check the oil level often; ask a Renault/Dacia dealer for the free ECU reprogramming campaign and an oil-consumption test
Signs: Worn or leaking front brake hose, falling brake fluid level or soft pedal on unfixed cars.
Fix: Check with a Renault dealer by VIN that the recall work (liner trimming/repositioning, hoses and rear wheel cylinders where needed) was done.
Signs: No symptoms in normal use; rear seat back may not hold luggage in a collision.
Fix: Check by VIN that the free recall repair of the rear seat frame was done.
Signs: Knocking or creaking from the front over bumps, often worse in cold weather; play found at inspection.
Fix: Replace worn anti-roll bar links/bushes or the lower arm (ball joint is part of the arm), then align.
Signs: Corroded brake lines or weak/uneven handbrake effect noted at the roadworthiness test.
Fix: Replace corroded rigid lines; service rear drums and adjust or replace handbrake cables.
Signs: Car will not start after standing, start-stop disabled, random electronic warnings with low voltage.
Fix: Test battery and charging; fit the correct type (EFB on start-stop cars) and register it if required.
Signs: Screen freezes or reboots, navigation crashes, phone will not pair or USB not recognised.
Fix: Install the latest software update at a dealer or via the Renault toolbox; replace the unit only if updates do not help.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
Signs: Judder in town traffic, jerks or delay when pulling away, clatter at low speed, overheating warning in slow traffic or on hills
Fix: First a software update and clutch adaptation reset; if wear values are at the limit, replace the double clutch and check the input-shaft seals for oil on the clutch
Signs: Gearbox warning, refuses to engage a gear or drops into neutral while driving, limp mode, faults on the gearbox control unit or a speed sensor
Fix: Read the gearbox control unit with Renault-level diagnostics, update the software and relearn; replace the faulty sensor, actuator or control unit if the fault stays
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €3,100–7,250. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Renault Clio 4 with the 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| 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 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 120,000 km or every 72 months | €450–900 |
| 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 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Diesel1,461 cm³ · 66 kW (90 hp) | 25.1 % | 2013–2018 | 106 g/km | — |
| 1.5 Diesel1,461 cm³ · 55 kW (75 hp) | 18.3 % | 2013–2018 | 106 g/km | — |
| 1.5 Diesel1,461 cm³ | 4.1 % | 2014–2017 | 86 g/km | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (12). 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.
The faults with the highest risk: DPF clogging, failed regenerations (80,000–200,000 km, €150–1,500); injector wear (high return flow, rough running) (150,000–250,000 km, €400–1,400); turbocharger failure (oil supply, boost hose) (120,000–250,000 km, €100–1,400); EGR valve coking (80,000–200,000 km, €200–700).
Belt · 120,000 km / every 72 mo.
5W-30 · Renault RN0720 (DPF) / RN0710 · ~4.5 L · every 10,000 km.
0.9 TCe & 1.0 SCe (H4B / H4D)1.1 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F)1.2 TCe / DIG-T (H5Ft)
Nissan Qashqai (J11) 2013–2021Nissan Qashqai (J10) 2006–2014Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176) 2012–2018Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177) 2018–Nissan Juke (F15) 2010–2019Renault Captur I 2013–2019Dacia Sandero II 2012–2020Renault Mégane III 2008–2016Dacia Duster II 2017–2024Renault Kadjar 2015–2022Nissan Note E11 2006–2013Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246) 2011–2018
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
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. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). 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. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026