Timing chain 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: Occasional2.0 dCiTiming chain wear or breakageThe 2.0 dCi timing chain can stretch or, in the worst cases, break earlier than expected: there are documented cases between around 60,000 and more than 200,000 km in several models that use it. As the engine is an interference design between piston and valves, a breakage usually brings serious internal damage.
In Espace IV, Koleos I, Laguna III, Mégane II and Mégane III
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional0.9 TCeTiming chain or tensioner failureThe 0.9 TCe's timing chain tensioner can lose effectiveness over time. It is a minority of cases, but when the chain jumps the damage is serious: there is a documented case with a complete engine replacement at 80,000 km.
In Captur I, Clio IV and Twingo III
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 dCiOil leak from the timing chain coverThe 1.6 dCi uses a timing chain, not a belt, but several Kadjar and Espace V owners describe oil leaks around the chain cover or casing, in some cases serious enough to require removing part of the engine.
In Espace V, Kadjar, Koleos II, Mégane III, Mégane IV and Scénic III and 2 more models
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.2 TCeTiming chain stretch and breakageThe 1.2 TCe chain has no scheduled replacement, but in engines that burn oil the low level makes the camshaft phaser vibrate and the chain stretches until it becomes noisy or breaks. The dealer network replaces the tensioner if compression is good; if not, the short block or the engine.
In Captur I, Clio IV, Kadjar, Kangoo II, Mégane III and Mégane IV and 1 more model
- Low severityFrequency: Rare1.0 SCe (B4D)Chain-driven timing: no documented pattern of faultsUnlike engines with a timing belt, the 1.0 SCe barely records any mentions of the timing in the sources consulted: 1 case out of 117 combined reviews of the Sandero II, the Logan II and the Twingo III, with no further detail. It is not a fault that we can document as a pattern on this engine.
In Twingo III

By Renault model

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

Engines and gearboxes involved

Parts for your Renault for faults with the timing chain

Add the model and engine in the shop, or better still the registration plate or VIN, to see only the parts that fit.

Timing chain kit
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the timing chain do Renault cars have?

In 16 models from Renault there are 5 documented faults with the timing chain. The most important: timing chain wear or breakage, timing chain or tensioner failure and oil leak from the timing chain cover. 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 chain?

Renault Mégane III (3 faults), Renault Scénic III (2 faults), Renault Clio IV (2 faults) and Renault Captur I (2 faults).

Which Renault engines have faults with the timing chain?

0.9 TCe (1 fault), 1.0 SCe (B4D) (1 fault), 1.2 TCe (1 fault), 1.6 dCi (1 fault) and 2.0 dCi (1 fault).