Verdict
A four-cylinder diesel from the Renault-Nissan alliance, simple and widespread, with a timing belt (to be replaced every 5 years or 120,000 km). The early versions suffered from fragile connecting-rod bearings that can destroy the engine; the Delphi injection pump can produce metal debris that destroys the injectors. The EGR valve and the particulate filter do not cope well with urban use. Insist on a history of regular oil changes.
Years to favour or avoid
- To favour
- No year particularly to favour
- To avoid
- 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Known faults
Wear of connecting-rod bearings (early versions)
Severity 3/3 · SeriousOn early versions of the 1.5 dCi, fragile connecting-rod bearings caused engine failures, on a scale that Fiches-auto describes as limited. Wear is promoted by long intervals between oil changes; frequent oil changes are advised.
- Versions
- dci-1-5-k9k
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Delphi injection pump producing metal debris
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe Delphi injection pump can produce metal debris that contaminates the fuel circuit and often destroys the injectors; the repair then requires replacing the pump, rail and injectors.
- Versions
- dci-1-5-k9k
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Clogged or faulty EGR valve
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingThe EGR valve of the 1.5 dCi can clog or fail (black smoke, loss of power, warning light), especially on the early generations; replacing it is common beyond 120,000 to 150,000 km.
- Versions
- dci-1-5-k9k
- Onset
- between 120,000 km and 150,000 km
- Repair
- not documented
Clogged particulate filter in urban use
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingShort trips prevent the particulate filter from regenerating, and it clogs: engine warning light, loss of power and higher fuel consumption.
- Versions
- dci-1-5-k9k
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Models fitted
Buy with carePhoto: Corvettec6r, CC0
Extra cautionPhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Buy with carePhoto: (G)jabz, CC BY 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Good choice, check firstPhoto: KGC626, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dacia Sandero
2012–2020 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €347/month
Extra cautionPhoto: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nissan Qashqai
2007–2014 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €320/month
Buy with carePhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nissan Qashqai
2014–2021 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €407/month
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Renault Captur
2013–2019 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €298/month
Buy with carePhoto: DieselFordMondeo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Extra cautionPhoto: M 93, Public domain
Buy with carePhoto: Overlaet, CC BY-SA 3.0
Good choicePhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Renault Clio
since 2019 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €355/month
Buy with carePhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Renault Kadjar
2015–2022 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €406/month
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0
Renault Kangoo
2008–2021 · Diesel, Petrol
- Estimated monthly cost
- €322/month
Poor reliabilityPhoto: Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0
Renault Laguna
2007–2015 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €308/month
Buy with carePhoto: M 93, Attribution
Extra cautionPhoto: Cutlass, CC0
Renault Mégane
2008–2016 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €342/month
Buy with carePhoto: Herranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0
Renault Mégane
2016–2023 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €460/month
Extra cautionPhoto: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0
Poor reliabilityPhoto: M 93, Public domain
Renault Scénic
2009–2016 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €242/month
Buy with carePhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Renault Scénic
2016–2022 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €422/month
Buy with carePhoto: Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0
Renault Twingo
2007–2014 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €204/month
Maintain and diagnose this engine
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.