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 Modus
2004–2012
3
engines covered
18
known faults
11,982
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
5
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Renault Modus was built from 2004 to 2012.
For this generation we cover 3 engines and 18 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 (33.8 %), suspension (22.5 %), brakes (13.5 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, suspension, steering, lights, wipers and visibility. It fails less often than average on: body and corrosion, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
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
1.5 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
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
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Dual-mass flywheel
usually 150,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
€700–1,400
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 1.5 dCi (K9K) 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 10,000 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 |
| 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 |
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: 11,982 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 5.4 % | 9.5 % | 13.5 % | 16.4 % | 17.5 % |
| Suspension | 11.8 % | 17.7 % | 22.5 % | 25.4 % | 29.4 % |
| Steering | 1.6 % | 5.3 % | 9.0 % | 12.4 % | 12.2 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 4.2 % | 6.7 % | 8.3 % | 9.6 % | 11.3 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 14.2 % | 24.7 % | 33.8 % | 38.0 % | 38.0 % |
| Body and corrosion | 2.8 % | 3.6 % | 4.9 % | 4.7 % | 4.2 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 1.5 % | 2.7 % | 3.6 % | 5.8 % | 7.1 % |
Roadworthiness tests in the Netherlands by age
Share of this model's Dutch fleet that had a defect in each system at a roadworthiness test (APK) in 2025. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and fuel. Sample: 13,122 cars.
| age (years) | 12–14 | 15–19 | 20+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 4.1 % | 6.2 % | 10.8 % |
| Suspension | 8.3 % | 9.1 % | 12.8 % |
| Steering | 2.0 % | 5.2 % | 4.1 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 20.0 % | 19.2 % | 19.2 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 32.3 % | 35.3 % | 36.0 % |
| Body and corrosion | 4.2 % | 1.9 % | 1.9 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.5 % | 1.0 % | 1.5 % |
Most common engine versions in the EU
New cars of this generation registered in the EU, Iceland and Norway 2010–2025: 126,333, of which 0 in Croatia. The share shows how common each version is.
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 dCi (K9K)1.5 (1,461 cm³) · Diesel | 20.3 % | 2010–2010 | — | — |
| 1.2 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F)1.1 (1,149 cm³) · 55 kW (75 hp) · Petrol | 20.1 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.2 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F)1.1 (1,149 cm³) · Petrol | 17.1 % | 2010–2010 | — | — |
| 1.5 dCi (K9K)1.5 (1,461 cm³) · 55 kW (75 hp) · Diesel | 13.7 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.5 dCi (K9K)1.5 (1,461 cm³) · 65 kW (88 hp) · Diesel | 11.7 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.2 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F)1.1 (1,149 cm³) · 76 kW (103 hp) · Petrol | 7.4 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M)1.6 (1,598 cm³) · 82 kW (111 hp) · Petrol | 4.8 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M)1.6 (1,598 cm³) · Petrol | 2.0 % | 2010–2010 | — | — |
| 1.5 dCi (K9K)1.5 (1,461 cm³) · 50 kW (68 hp) · Diesel | 1.1 % | 2011–2011 | — | — |
| 1.5 dCi (K9K)1.5 (1,461 cm³) · 63 kW (86 hp) · Diesel | 1.0 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
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.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (5). 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.
- Seats Rear bench seat may jam20/04/2010 · R/2010/038
- Airbag Front head restraint may not retain its position in the event of an impact.30/10/2007 · R/2007/143
- Fire risk Stop light failure13/04/2007 · R/2007/044
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Gearbox may disengage from the park position17/01/2006 · R/2005/182
- Steering Steering column assembly20/05/2005 · R/2005/050
Common questions
Does the Renault Modus have a timing chain or a timing belt?
1.5 dCi (K9K): belt · 120,000 km / every 72 mo; 1.2 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F): belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo; 1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M): belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo.
What are the known problems with the Renault Modus?
The faults with the highest risk: crankshaft bearing wear (180,000–280,000 km, €1,500–3,000); DP0 / AL4 solenoids / pressure regulator (80,000–180,000 km, €300–1,500); clutch actuator / hydraulic unit (80,000–160,000 km, €500–1,500); timing belt tensioner (early failures) (60,000–90,000 km, €250–500). The full list by engine is on this page.
What does the Renault Modus most often fail its roadworthiness test on?
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (33.8 %), suspension (22.5 %), brakes (13.5 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, suspension, steering, lights, wipers and visibility. It fails less often than average on: body and corrosion, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
What should you check when buying a used Renault Modus?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (5 have been published for this model). If the engine has a timing belt, ask for the invoice for its replacement: with no proof, assume it has not been done. On the test drive, watch for these signs: knock under load; gearbox warning, limp mode, harsh shifts. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Renault Clio IV 2012–2019Renault Clio II 1998–2012Dacia Sandero II 2012–2020Renault Clio III 2005–2012Renault Mégane III 2008–2016Renault Mégane II 2002–2009Dacia Duster I 2010–2017Renault Kangoo II 2008–2021
Other Renault models
Renault Scénic II 2003–2009Renault Espace IV 2002–2014Renault Laguna II 2001–2007Renault Laguna III 2007–2015Renault Trafic II 2001–2014Renault Twingo II 2007–2014Renault Koleos I 2008–2016Renault Fluence 2009–2016Renault Scénic III 2009–2016Renault Thalia / Symbol 1999–2013
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. 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.
Updated 08/10/2026