Used Car Expert Fault Guides tell you the common Renault Clio faults and wear items that can become problems and big bills for their owner.
Independent research indicated that using our fault guides to check a car before you buy it can save you an average of £300 in surprise bills and hidden problems.
That's because our Renault Clio fault guides are written so that anyone can understand them – even if you know nothing about cars and have no tools. For every common fault, we tell you what to look for, what it means and what it costs.
Select your Renault Clio fault guide:
Renault Clio (1991 - 1998) Fault Guide
Renault Clio (1998 - 2005) Fault Guide
Renault Clio (2005 - 2009) Fault Guide
Renault Clio (1991 - 1998) Fault Guide
We know of 25 RENAULT Clio (1991 - 1998) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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8 engine faults
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3 suspension wear items or faults
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6 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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7 recalls
Here's an example fault on the RENAULT Clio (1991 - 1998)
What to look for:
Check the paperwork to see if the cam belt has been changed on schedule. On most Clio engines the cam belt must be changed within 50,000 miles.
What it means:
If the cam belt and tensioner kit are not changed on time, the belt will fail and seriously damage the engine.
What to do
Ensure that the cam belt is changed before the car is driven anywhere if it coming close to its interval. Changing the belt will cost £250. It will cost £1,500 to have the engine repaired if the belt fails.
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Renault Clio (1998 - 2005) Fault Guide
We know of 22 RENAULT Clio (1998 - 2005) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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5 engine faults
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4 suspension wear items or faults
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5 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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7 recalls
Here's an example fault on the RENAULT Clio (1998 - 2005)
What to look for:
1.2 litre engine only. Turn the engine off and lift the bonnet. At the front of the engine, a number of thick cables/ leads plug into the engine. Pull one of the leads away from the engine to reveal the top of the spark plug. Run your finger round the plug to check there is no oil or water on the spark plug.
What it means:
Oil or water on the plug indicates that the rocker cover gasket has failed and is leaking.
What to do
Negotiate a £100 discount or have the repair completed.
Register to have full access to the RENAULT Clio (1998 - 2005) fault guide.
Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.
Renault Clio (2005 - 2009) Fault Guide
We know of 6 RENAULT Clio (2005 - 2009) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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1 engine faults
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1 suspension wear items or faults
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1 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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2 recalls
Here's an example fault on the RENAULT Clio (2005 - 2009)
What to look for:
Check the paperwork to see if the cam belt has been changed on schedule. On most of this vehicle’s petrol engines the cam belt must be changed within 5 years or 72,000 miles.
What it means:
If the cam belt and associated parts (such as water pump and tensioner) have not been changed, and the mileage is over these boundaries, the cam belt is likely to fail soon. Usually the engine has to be replaced or at least re-built after a cam belt failure.
What to do
Ensure that the cam belt is changed before the car is driven anywhere if it is coming close to its interval. Changing the belt will cost £200.
Register to have full access to the RENAULT Clio (2005 - 2009) fault guide.
Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.