2019+ · 1.0 TCe H4Dt 3-cylinder turbo petrol (100 hp)
Popular European supermini with affordable running costs. The 1.0 TCe 100 engine is the improved H4Dt variant introduced in 2018 - reliable if maintained properly but timing chain needs replacement at 120,000 km to prevent catastrophic failure. Common issues include R-Link infotainment glitches, 12V battery drain, and boot lock failures. Multiple recalls in 2019-2020 for steering column and electrical systems. Parts are cheap and widely available across Europe. Manual gearbox is more reliable than the automatic. Overall dependable for city use and commuting.
Chain stretches due to clogged oil jet, requires preventive replacement at 120,000 km · more· less
The 1.0 TCe 100 (H4Dt) uses a thin timing chain designed to last the engine's lifetime, but real-world experience shows it typically lasts only 120,000-150,000 km. The root cause is often a clogged oil jet that lubricates the chain - soot contamination blocks this jet, causing premature chain wear. Symptoms include rattling noise on cold start and fault codes P0011/P0014 for camshaft dephasers. Preventive replacement at 120,000 km (including chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets) costs approximately €800-1,400. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact requiring engine replacement. Critical: change oil every 10,000 km maximum (annually minimum) to prevent oil jet clogging.
R-Link infotainment freezing/glitches€0 - €1,200
Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, navigation stops working, DAB radio drops out · more· less
The R-Link2 infotainment system is notorious for freezing, touchscreen unresponsiveness, and connectivity glitches. Free fixes to try first: hold home button and press in/out rapidly for 5 seconds to force restart, or hold power button for 10 seconds. Also try pulling fuse F31 in cabin fusebox (near glovebox). Software updates from Renault dealer often resolve issues. If hardware failure occurs (corrupted SIM card or faulty head unit), replacement costs €600-1,200. Most issues are software-related and fixable without cost, but frustrating when they occur.
12V battery parasitic drain€100 - €350
Battery drains when parked overnight, multiple warning lights appear · more· less
Renault Clios are known for parasitic battery drain issues. Common causes include poor battery terminal connections (Renault terminal connectors are notoriously difficult to seat properly - must be pushed all the way down), key card issues, and various electrical faults. When 12V battery voltage drops, modern Renaults throw multiple safety warnings including "braking fault" and ABS lights. First check: disconnect and thoroughly clean battery terminals, ensure connectors are fully seated. If drain persists, use multimeter to measure current draw with car off (should be minimal). Pull fuses one by one to identify draining circuit. New battery costs €80-150, but often the issue is wiring/connection rather than battery itself. Key card battery (CR2032) costs €3-5 and should be replaced every 2-3 years.
Boot lock mechanism failure€60 - €180
Boot stays locked intermittently, actuator motor burns out · more· less
Multiple Mk5 Clio owners report intermittent boot lock failures. The electric actuator/solenoid motor burns out over time, or water ingress damages the mechanism. Check the boot locking switch for water - it often enters through the Renault diamond badge on the boot. Repair involves replacing the boot lock actuator assembly. Parts cost €25-70 depending on whether you buy OEM or aftermarket. Total repair at garage costs €60-180 including labour. DIY replacement possible but requires removing door card and interior trim. Water ingress can be prevented by resealing the diamond badge.
Turbo actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Carbon buildup from short trips causes actuator to stick, triggers limp mode · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator tends to stick if the car is only driven gently for short trips, as carbon builds up in the mechanism. Symptoms include EPC warning light, loss of power, and limp mode activation. Renault dealers won't sell the actuator separately - they insist on full turbo replacement at €1,200-2,500. However, specialists can repair/replace just the actuator for €500-600. Prevention: use premium fuel (95+ octane), avoid only short trips, and occasionally drive spiritedly to clear carbon deposits. If you primarily make short city trips, this car may not be ideal. The turbo itself typically lasts 80,000-100,000 km with proper maintenance.
ABS wheel speed sensor failure€90 - €160
ABS light illuminates, sensor ring on driveshaft cracks or corrodes · more· less
ABS sensor issues are common on Clios, often caused by a broken or corroded ABS sensor ring on the outer end of the front driveshafts. This is especially common on cars driven in winter conditions with road salt. Symptoms include ABS/ESP warning lights and pulsating brake pedal. Individual sensors cost around €30-43 for parts. Replacement labour adds €60-120. Diagnosis: jack up front of car, spin wheels by hand while inspecting ABS rings for cracks. Some ABS issues are wiring-related - Clios have known history of wiring loom damage going to ECU. For complex ABS module issues, repair can cost up to €1,000, but most cases are simple sensor replacements.
Steering column motor control failure (2019 models)€0 (recall) - €1,000
Power steering assistance lost at low speeds, particularly affects June-October 2019 production · more· less
Renault issued a recall in February 2020 for Clio V models manufactured between June 1 and October 31, 2019 due to internal failure in the steering column motor control. This causes loss of power steering assistance when stationary or at low speeds - a warning message appears in the instrument cluster. The recall requires complete steering column replacement, which Renault covers free of charge if your VIN is affected. If not covered by recall and failure occurs, replacement costs €700-1,000 (parts + labour). Check with Renault dealer using your VIN to confirm if recall work has been completed. This primarily affects early 2019 production - later models are not affected.
Intake camshaft phaser deterioration€400 - €700
Phaser wears around 150,000 km causing crackling noise and poor performance · more· less
The single intake camshaft phaser (variable valve timing mechanism) tends to deteriorate around 150,000 km, producing a distinctive crackling/rattling noise different from timing chain rattle. Fault codes P0011/P0014 (camshaft position) appear. The phaser itself costs €200-300 for parts, plus €200-400 labour. Conveniently, this repair often coincides with timing chain replacement at 120,000 km, so both can be done simultaneously to save on labour costs. Regular oil changes every 10,000 km using correct 5W30 spec oil helps extend phaser life. Ignore at your own risk - continued driving with failed phaser can damage camshaft.
Average reliability for class, timing chain is main concern
The Clio V with TCe 100 engine is reasonably reliable for a modern supermini, but not outstanding. Ranked 19th out of 28 cars in the small car class in reliability surveys. The timing chain issue is the most serious concern - budget €800-1,400 for preventive replacement at 120,000 km. Most other issues are electrical/software glitches or minor mechanical failures. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable than automatics. Parts are cheap and labour rates reasonable. With proper maintenance (especially frequent oil changes), the engine can reach 250,000 km.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at maximum 15,000 km intervals (10,000 km preferred). Look for timing chain replacement evidence around 120,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Typical size: 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16 depending on trim.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates timing chain issues.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Clios have reasonable rust protection but check wheel arches and sills.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds. Test all electrical systems, R-Link functionality, and check for warning lights.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle test
Most critical check. Engine must be completely cold (parked overnight). Start and listen carefully for rattling for first 30 seconds. Slight rattle for 1-2 seconds on very cold mornings is normal. Persistent rattle indicates stretched chain - walk away or negotiate €1,000+ off price.
Check service book for oil change intervals
Oil changes should be every 10,000-15,000 km maximum. More frequent is better. Cars with 20,000+ km oil change intervals will have timing chain and phaser problems. Missing service history is a red flag for this engine.
Test R-Link infotainment system thoroughly
Test touchscreen responsiveness, navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity. Try pairing your phone. Check for software updates. Ask seller if system has ever frozen or required resets.
Battery and electrical system check
Ask seller if car starts reliably after sitting for a week. Check battery manufacture date (should be replaced every 4-5 years). Inspect battery terminal connections - ensure fully seated and no corrosion. Test all electrical functions including windows, central locking, boot release.
Boot lock operation test
Open and close boot 5-10 times. Test both with key card and manual button. Listen for smooth actuator operation. Check boot seal and Renault diamond badge for water ingress evidence.
Check for EPC/engine warning lights
Test drive for minimum 15 minutes. Watch for EPC light, engine management light, or loss of power. These indicate turbo actuator or other engine management issues.
Verify 2019-2020 recalls completed
For 2019 models, especially June-October production, verify steering column recall completed. Also check for alternator wiring recall (July 2019 production) and automatic gear selector recall. Use VIN to check with Renault dealer.
ABS sensor and wheel bearing check
Jack up front wheels, spin by hand. Listen for rumbling (wheel bearings) and inspect ABS sensor rings for cracks. ABS warning light during test drive is red flag.
Check mileage vs. age ratio
This engine doesn't like short trips. Ideal is 15,000-20,000 km per year for highway/mixed driving. Very low mileage (5,000 km/year) city-only cars will have more carbon buildup and potential turbo actuator issues.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Steering column motor control failure (June-Oct 2019)Verify completed
Alternator wiring short circuit risk (July 2019)Verify completed
Automatic gear selector stop switch (June-Aug 2019)Verify if automatic
Front brake hose positioning (April-Oct 2019)Verify completed
Renault issued several safety recalls for the Clio V in 2019-2020, particularly affecting early production models from June-October 2019. Contact Renault dealer with your VIN to verify all applicable recalls have been completed. The steering column and alternator wiring recalls are most critical. All recall work is performed free of charge by Renault.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (registered after Dec 18, 2019)5 years / 100,000 miles
First 2 years coverageUnlimited mileage
Years 3-5 coverageUp to 100,000 miles total
Corrosion warranty12 years (perforation)
Paint warranty3 years
Good warranty coverage for European market
Renault Clio V models registered after December 18, 2019 receive 5-year/100,000-mile warranty (unlimited mileage first 2 years). Earlier 2019 models have 3-year/60,000-mile warranty. Warranty valid across 35+ European countries including Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, etc. Used cars may still be within warranty period - check registration date and mileage. Extended warranty available from Renault dealers and third-party providers.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.