Top fixes

Top Renault Clio fixes every owner should know

Cheap, practical fixes for the Renault Clio faults you actually meet, with rough costs and what a garage will charge.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 303,436 recorded MOT tests, 36.8% failed.

Renault Clio
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The Renault Clio is known for several common faults, including electrical issues, clutch wear, and suspension problems. Many of these can be fixed affordably, with DIY options available for some repairs. Costs for parts range from £20 to £300, while garage labour typically costs between £50 and £100 per hour.

Electrical Problems

Many Renault Clio owners report electrical faults, particularly with the dashboard lights and central locking. These issues can often be traced to blown fuses or faulty wiring.

Fixing blown fuses is a straightforward DIY task.

Clutch Wear

Clutch issues are common in older models, especially those manufactured between 2006 and 2012. Symptoms include slipping or difficulty in engaging gears.

Replacing the clutch is a more complex job. This is generally not a DIY job unless you have advanced mechanical skills.

Suspension Issues

Suspension wear, particularly in the front struts, can lead to a bumpy ride. This is often noticed in models from 2013 onwards.

Replacing struts is a job best left to professionals due to the equipment required.

Brake Problems

Brake issues, including worn pads and discs, are frequent in Clio models. Owners should regularly check their brakes, especially if they hear grinding noises.

Exhaust Leaks

Exhaust leaks can occur, especially in older models. Symptoms include a loud exhaust noise or a warning light on the dashboard.

Small leaks can sometimes be patched temporarily with exhaust tape.

Renault Clio recall record

24 recalls have been issued for the Renault Clio, between 1993 and 2026.

  1. Front lower arm Bolts

    R/2026/096

    Issued 4 March 2026

    For certain vehicles and as a preventative measure there is concern involving the locking nuts in the area of the front suspension lower arm ball joints for where loosening of the fixings cannot be ruled out.

    Remedy:Check of the tightening of the front suspension lower arm ball joint nuts and if necessary replace both nuts

    Affects cars built Oct 2025 to Oct 2025

  2. Injection Computer Software Update

    R/2026/094

    Issued 4 December 2025

    For certain vehicles reprogramming of the injection computer is required. Without this software update it could lead to breakdown or the vehicle failing to start.

    Remedy:Reprogramme the injection computer

    Affects cars built Sept 2022 to Jul 2025

  3. 'POWER STEERING FAILURE' MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON DASHBOARD

    R/2020/023

    Issued 4 February 2020

    The message power steering failure displayed on the vehicles dashboard and a down grading of the power steering assistance

    Remedy:The steering column will be replaced

    Affects cars built Jun 2019 to Oct 2019

  4. CONTACT BETWEEN THE POSITIVE ALTERNATOR WIRING AND THE ALTERNATOR CASING COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT

    R/2020/015

    Issued 21 January 2020

    Contact between the positive alternator wiring and the alternator casing which could cause an electrical short circuit.

    Remedy:Modify the wiring route and if necessary replace the alternator

    Affects cars built Jul 2019 to Jul 2019

20 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Renault Clio MOT record

From 303,436 recorded MOT tests, 36.8% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20235305.1%17,606 mi
20227,7489.4%19,812 mi
20219,02912.2%26,034 mi
202010,55114.1%30,551 mi
201916,99922.7%38,860 mi
201819,44327.1%45,129 mi
201719,04132.8%52,108 mi
201622,07137.9%58,959 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements25.1%
  2. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn22.7%
  3. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened19.4%
  4. A tyre seriously damaged18.3%
  5. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded14.4%

Figures cover every Renault Clio tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Renault Clio official figures

Median across 72 variants on sale, petrol, petrol electric.

Combined economy
64.2 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
99 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common issues with the Renault Clio?

Common issues include electrical faults, clutch problems, and suspension wear.

Can I fix the electrical issues myself?

Many electrical issues can be diagnosed and fixed with basic tools, but some may require professional help.

Is it worth repairing an old Clio?

If the repairs are cost-effective compared to the car's value, it can be worth it.

Sources