Timing belt Renault: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Renault models it appears in.

- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.5 dCiPremature timing belt failureOn the 85, 105 and 110 hp 1.5 dCi engines built up to late 2010, especially in the Mégane III and Scénic III, the timing belt could break early, sometimes before 50,000 km, and damage the engine. Renault opened a workshop action in 2013.
In Clio II, Clio III, Fluence, Kangoo I, Kangoo II and Mégane II and 5 more models
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.4 and 1.6 16vTiming belt breakage or premature failureThe K4J/K4M's timing belt is a dry type (not running in oil), but several sources document breakages before high mileage is reached, including one case in the Renault Laguna II with valve-to-piston contact. Sticking to the replacement interval is the best prevention.Appears at around 89,000 km
In Clio II, Clio III, Fluence, Kangoo I, Laguna II and Mégane I and 5 more models
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.4 and 1.6 8vTiming belt breakage or failureThe K7J/K7M timing belt is a dry type, but several sources document breakages or failures well before a very high mileage, including a case in the Renault Mégane I with contact between the broken belt and the valves. Sticking to the replacement interval is the best prevention.
In Clio II, Kangoo I and Mégane I
- Critical severityFrequency: Rare2.0 16v F4R and F4RTTiming belt failure due to overdue maintenanceIf it is not changed on time, the timing belt on the F4R/F4RT can snap and wreck the engine. Evo and Octane recommend checking the documented belt change before buying a Mégane RS.
In Clio II, Clio III, Laguna II, Mégane II and Mégane III
- Medium severityFrequency: Rare1.2 16vTiming belt: preventive maintenance and the odd failureThe 1.2 16v has a timing belt (not a chain), a wear part that has to be changed as preventive maintenance. Documented failure cases are a minority: under 4% of the owner reports analysed on the Clio II and Clio III.
In Clio II, Clio III, Clio IV, Kangoo I, Modus and Twingo I and 1 more model

By Renault model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the timing belt do Renault cars have?

In 16 models from Renault there are 5 documented faults with the timing belt. The most important: premature timing belt failure, timing belt breakage or premature failure and timing belt breakage or failure. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Renault models have the most problems with the timing belt?

Renault Clio II (5 faults), Renault Kangoo I (4 faults), Renault Clio III (4 faults) and Renault Mégane II (3 faults).

Which Renault engines have faults with the timing belt?

1.2 16v (1 fault), 1.4 and 1.6 16v (1 fault), 1.4 and 1.6 8v (1 fault), 1.5 dCi (1 fault) and 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT (1 fault).