The Renault Clio is a popular supermini car produced by the French automaker Renault. The Clio was first introduced in 1990, succeeding the Renault 5.
The Clio became famous in the UK partly due to its memorable advertising campaigns. The “Papa and Nicole” series of advertisements from the 1990s are iconic, featuring a charming story between a father and daughter and their adventures with the Clio.
Renault Clio has a strong motorsport heritage in the UK, particularly with the Renault Clio Cup, a one-make racing series which has been a proving ground for many talented drivers and is well-known for its competitive racing.
Common problems with the Renault Clio
Engine Performance Problems
Misfiring and Stalling: Owners have reported problems with the engine misfiring or stalling, often due to issues with the ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
Turbocharger Problems: In models equipped with turbocharged engines, there have been instances of turbo failure, leading to reduced performance and expensive repairs.
Oil Leaks: Oil leaks from the engine are a common complaint, often traced to faulty gaskets or seals.
Transmission Problems
Manual and automatic Clio models have been known to suffer from gearbox issues. Common complaints include difficulty in changing gears, grinding noises, and complete gearbox failure. Owners of manual transmission models have reported clutch-related issues, such as slipping clutches, difficulty engaging gears, and premature clutch wear.
Electrical System Problems
The Clio has been known to have various electrical problems, including issues with the central locking system, electric windows, and dashboard displays.
Malfunctions in various sensors, such as the oxygen sensor, throttle position sensor, and crankshaft sensor, have caused performance issues and warning lights to appear on the dashboard.
Renault Clio Hybrid Problems
The Renault Clio Hybrid, which is part of the fifth generation Clio lineup, has generally been well-received for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency, however like many vehicles, there have been some reported issues.
Some owners have reported issues with the battery management system, including warning lights appearing on the dashboard related to the hybrid system. There have been instances of the 12V battery draining quickly, potentially due to electrical system faults or parasitic drains.
Engine: Owners have mentioned that the Clio Hybrid can sometimes feel underpowered, particularly when the battery charge is low and the car relies more heavily on the internal combustion engine. There have been complaints about increased engine noise under certain conditions, which can detract from the overall driving experience.
E-Tech Gearbox: The Clio Hybrid uses Renault’s E-Tech hybrid gearbox, which has had some reports of hesitations and jerky transitions between electric and petrol power. These issues can sometimes be addressed with software updates.
Other Problems
Some Clio models have had complaints about the quality of interior materials, including peeling trim and malfunctioning interior features.
Renault Clio recalls in the UK
Some of the notable recalls include:
Steering Column Motor Control Failure (2019): A recall issued on February 24, 2020, for Renault Clio V models produced in 2019 due to a potential internal failure in the steering column motor control. This defect could result in the loss of steering assistance when stationary or driving at low speeds.
Automatic Gear Selection Lever Switch Failure (2019): Another recall for the 2019 Renault Clio V models was announced on February 23, 2020. The stop switch controlling the automatic gear selection lever may malfunction, affecting the vehicle’s drivability
Some recent notable Renault Clio recalls include:
| Recall Number | Model Year | Concern | Manufacturer Repair Needed | Number of Affected Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R/2016/281 | 2015, 2016 | Rear wheel may detach. One of the rear axle bolts retaining the stub axle carrier on the left and/or right side may not have been correctly tightened. This could allow the stub axle to separate from its mounting. | On affected vehicles check bolt tightness. If necessary or if bolt(s) is/are missing replace the axle assembly. | 415 |
| R/2015/136 | 2012 – 2016 | Reduction in braking performance. It is possible that the front wheel liners have been incorrectly positioned giving potential for them to rub against the front brake hoses. This in turn could in rare circumstances cause increased brake pedal travel and affect the braking efficiency of the vehicle. This issue may be highlighted by a warning message Braking system fault and a warning light on the dashboard. | Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and inspect the front wheel arch liners and brake hoses. If they are found to be incorrectly positioned they will be replaced free of charge. | 49748 |
| R/2016/192 | 2012 – 2016 | Wipers may not perform as intended. In sub-zero weather conditions the front windscreen blades arms may become frozen to the screen. In extreme circumstances when the wipers are activated the wiper arm linkage may weaken detach or bend. Should the linkage break or bend the wipers will not clear the screen effectively. | Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the wiper linkage with a more robustly designed linkage. | 68552 |
| R/2016/01 | 2013 – 2016 | Rear spoiler may detach. The rear spoiler may detach at high speed due to high variance in temperature change. This is a result of a non-conformity with the production process. | Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected for inspection and where necessary rebonding. | 1096 |
| R/2011/118 | 2010 | Valve cotter fault could lead to destruction of the engine. Possibility that the nonconformance of the valve cotter could lead to the destruction of the engine. | Replace the cotters on relevant engines | 3308 |
Is the Renault Clio reliable?
Reliability ratings from Parkers give the Clio an average owner rating of 3.5 out of 5, with owners noting some reliability issues but also praising its affordability and practicality.
Automotive experts generally rate the Renault Clio as having average reliability. In the 2021 Driver Power survey, the Clio ranked 29th, highlighting a reasonably strong performance, however, didn’t feature prominently in the 2022 or 2023 surveys.
Experts at Car Magazine appreciate the Renault Clio for its practical design and comfortable ride, especially on the UK’s rough roads. The Clio’s suspension system is noted for its ability to absorb bumps, providing a smooth ride. The manual gearbox is praised for its engaging driving experience, though the hybrid model’s automatic transmission is less favoured due to its slower gear shifts.
The 2023 facelift for the Renault Clio introduced new styling and tech upgrades, aiming to keep it competitive against rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208. Overall, while the Renault Clio has its share of minor reliability issues, it continues to be a popular choice due to its practicality, comfort, and improved tech features.
What are Renault Clio’s repair and maintenance costs?
When compared to other small cars, the Renault Clio is on par or slightly cheaper in terms of maintenance. For instance, models like the Toyota Aygo and Kia Picanto have similar costs but vary slightly in specific areas like an annual service.
An annual full service on the Renault Clio can cost in the range of £170 – £250, also depending on the engine size.
Some popular repairs costs on the Renault Clio:
- Brake Pads Replacement: £70 – £150
- Clutch Replacement: £500 – £800
- Battery Replacement: £100 – £180
- Alternator Replacement: £300 – £500
- Suspension Repairs (e.g., shock absorbers): £180 – £350
If you’re having problems with your Renault Clio, ClickMechanic can help sort out your vehicle.
Louanne is a marketing and communications professional in the automotive tech industry currently at ClickMechanic, boasting over 5 years of experience.
Louanne’s work at ClickMechanic might revolve around branding and customer engagement, but her passions extend far beyond the marketing sphere. A true foodie at heart, she loves exploring diverse cuisines and talking about her culinary adventures across the world. Her writing prowess shines through in her car-related blog content, where she offers invaluable driving tips and practical car repair advice.
In her Suzuki Jimny 4-wheel drive, Louanne combines her sense of adventure with her automotive know-how, transforming every drive into a lesson and a pleasure.
