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Renault Modus (2004–2012)

Renault Modus 1.5 dCi 65-105 hp problems

The Renault Modus used the 1.5 dCi from 2004 to 2012 (1.5 dCi 65, 1.5 dCi 70 and 1.5 dCi 75). 7 documented faults affect it; the most important is “wear and seizure of the big-end bearings” (critical severity, common). Our verdict depends on the version: “With caution” for 1.5 dCi Euro 4 (68/70, 85/86 and 105/106 hp, 2005-2010) and 1.5 dCi Euro 5 with particulate filter (75, 90, 95 and 110 hp, 2010-2015); “Avoid” for 1.5 dCi Euro 3 (65, 80/82 and 100 hp, 2001-2005). Among the documented engines of the Renault Modus, the safest option is the 1.2 16v.

Renault Modus (2004–2012)
Photo: M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

3.7 out of 10Low reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Modus. How we calculate it

Overall score for the Renault Modus

5.9 out of 10Acceptable reliability

Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown

14 sourcesHow we work

1.5 dCi

Renault 1.5 dCi (K9K) · Diesel

In the Modus
2004–2012[1][2]
Names
1.5 dCi 65 · 1.5 dCi 70 · 1.5 dCi 75 · 1.5 dCi 80 · 1.5 dCi 85 · 1.5 dCi 90 · 1.5 dCi 105
Faults that affect it
7 · 4 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
63
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.5 dCi Euro 3 (65, 80/82 and 100 hp, 2001-2005)2001–2005 · 65–100 hp · K9K 700, K9K 702, K9K 704, K9K 706, K9K 710, K9K 722

    Avoid

    The 100 hp accumulates all the engine's known problems (EGR, a Delphi pump that generates filings, and big-end bearings) and fiches-auto considers buying one risky; Caradisiac recommends preferring the post-2006 Scénic II.[1][3]

  • 1.5 dCi Euro 4 (68/70, 85/86 and 105/106 hp, 2005-2010)2005–2010 · 68–106 hp · K9K 712, K9K 714, K9K 728, K9K 732, K9K 764, K9K 766, K9K 772, K9K 792, K9K 796, K9K 802, K9K 830

    With caution

    Worth buying with a complete maintenance history and proof of repairs: the 85 hp carries the Delphi pump, and the 105 hp adds big-end bearings, a dual-mass flywheel and, on the Mégane III and Scénic III up to late 2010, a risk of belt failure.[1][4][5][6]

  • 1.5 dCi Euro 5 with particulate filter (75, 90, 95 and 110 hp, 2010-2015)2010–2015 · 75–110 hp · K9K 608, K9K 609, K9K 656, K9K 770, K9K 832, K9K 836, K9K 837, K9K 846, K9K 892, K9K 896

    With caution

    The 90 hp has an excellent record. On the 110 hp it is worth checking the turbo, the injectors and, on the first units with a DPF, the condition of the filter; on a 2010 Scénic III, check the belt change. Caradisiac considers the engine fully sorted from 2012.[1][6][7]

Faults that affect the Modus

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.5 dCi has 8 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonLubricationWear and seizure of the big-end bearingsThe Euro 3 and Euro 4 1.5 dCi engines (approx. 2001-2010), especially the 100 and 105/106 hp, have fragile big-end bearings that can seize and wreck the engine. Renault went as far as paying up to 90% of the repair, with a limit of 7 years and 180,000 km.
  2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingPremature 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.
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionDelphi high-pressure pump that sheds filings and damages the injectionOn the first 1.5 dCi engines (up to approx. 2010), especially the versions with Delphi injection of 65, 70 and 85 hp, the high-pressure pump can shed iron filings that contaminate the whole circuit and destroy the injectors. The pump, injectors and rail all have to be replaced.Appears at around 60,000 km
  4. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboPremature turbo failure and intake hoses that come looseThe turbo on the 105 and 110 hp 1.5 dCi can fail early: Caradisiac documents it on the Clio III, Scénic III and Qashqai II, sometimes before 80,000 km. More common and cheaper is for a turbo intake hose to come loose or burst and the engine to lose power.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlBlocked EGR valve on the early 1.5 dCiThe EGR valve often gets dirty and fails on the 65, 80 and 100 hp 1.5 dCi engines from before 2007; on later versions it is much less common. Cleaning it is often enough.
  6. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalClutchPremature dual-mass flywheel failure and clutch problemsThe 105 and 110 hp 1.5 dCi engines can break the dual-mass flywheel early, sometimes before 40,000 km. It warns you with vibrations at idle and metallic noises, and forces you to replace the clutch and flywheel assembly.Repair (garage): €700–€1,300
  7. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector and injector seal failuresThe 1.5 dCi injectors, or their seals, can fail early, especially on the 110 hp, causing rough running, jerking or hard starting. Replacing the affected injector is usually enough; Caradisiac still reports cases on the Kadjar and Duster II.

All versions and faults of the 1.5 dCi

What to check before buying a used Renault Modus 1.5 dCi 65-105 hp

Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.

If it has the 1.5 dCi (2004–2012)

Wear and seizure of the big-end bearings

Critical severity

Premature timing belt failure

Critical severity

Delphi high-pressure pump that sheds filings and damages the injection

High severity

Premature turbo failure and intake hoses that come loose

High severity

Blocked EGR valve on the early 1.5 dCi

Medium severity

Premature dual-mass flywheel failure and clutch problems

Medium severity

Injector and injector seal failures

Medium severity

Other engines and gearboxes of the Renault Modus

Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.

Faults of the Renault Modus outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

Buying a Renault Modus 1.5 dCi 65-105 hp?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

The Renault Modus has 2 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you

Frequently asked questions

Is the Renault Modus 1.5 dCi 65-105 hp reliable?

The Renault Modus used the 1.5 dCi from 2004 to 2012 (1.5 dCi 65, 1.5 dCi 70 and 1.5 dCi 75). 7 documented faults affect it; the most important is “wear and seizure of the big-end bearings” (critical severity, common). Our verdict depends on the version: “With caution” for 1.5 dCi Euro 4 (68/70, 85/86 and 105/106 hp, 2005-2010) and 1.5 dCi Euro 5 with particulate filter (75, 90, 95 and 110 hp, 2010-2015); “Avoid” for 1.5 dCi Euro 3 (65, 80/82 and 100 hp, 2001-2005). Among the documented engines of the Renault Modus, the safest option is the 1.2 16v.

What faults does the Renault Modus 1.5 dCi 65-105 hp have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: wear and seizure of the big-end bearings (critical severity), premature timing belt failure (critical severity), delphi high-pressure pump that sheds filings and damages the injection (high severity), premature turbo failure and intake hoses that come loose (high severity), blocked EGR valve on the early 1.5 dCi (medium severity), premature dual-mass flywheel failure and clutch problems (medium severity) and injector and injector seal failures (medium severity).

Which engine should you choose for the Renault Modus?

The safest option is the 1.2 16v, with a «Buy» verdict.

Own a Renault Modus 1.5 dCi 65-105 hp? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité du 1.5 dCiFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 19 April 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. Renault K-Type engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  3. Maxi-fiche occasion : que vaut le Renault Scénic 2 en seconde main ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 29 October 2014 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité Renault Clio 3 : que vaut le modèle en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 26 November 2012 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité Renault Mégane 3 : que vaut le modèle en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 25 November 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  6. Maxi-fiche fiabilité : que vaut le Renault Scénic 3 en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 2 February 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité du Nissan Qashqai 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 22 December 2017 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  8. Bruit de cliquetis - claquement : les causesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 6 November 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  9. Pourquoi la pression d'huile chute ?Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 11 March 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  10. A cuántos kilómetros se cambia la correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 14 May 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Maxi-fiche fiabilité : que vaut le Dacia Duster en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 18 January 2012 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  12. Vanne EGR : problèmes et pannesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 24 January 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  13. Volante bimasa, averías y precio de sustituciónDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 3 November 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Fiabilité du Renault Captur : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 2 March 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French