Renault Twingo I 1.2 16v 60 hp problems
The Renault Twingo I used the 1.2 16v from 2004 to 2007 (1.2 16V 60). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “damaged head gasket and coolant loss” (high severity, occasional). Our verdict: “Buy”.
Engine score on this car
6.4 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Twingo I. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Renault Twingo I
6.9 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
Renault-Dacia 1.2 16v (D4F / D7F) · Petrol
- In the Twingo I
- 2004–2007[1]
- Name
- 1.2 16V 60
- Faults that affect it
- 5 · 1 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the version it uses
1.2 16v 60 (D4F 708, Twingo I, 2004-2007)2004–2007 · 60 hp · D4F 708
BuyWe have found no specific reliability data for this minority, short-lived calibration (2004-2007). As it shares its block, head and architecture with the rest of the D4F family, there are no documented reasons to expect it to behave differently from the other versions.[1]
Faults that affect the Twingo I
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockDamaged head gasket and coolant lossOn higher-mileage 1.2 16V engines, cases of a damaged head gasket are documented, with coolant loss and a risk of overheating; it appears on the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Sandero I, but not in the pages for the Clio III or the second generation of Logan and Sandero.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failure (misfires, engine warning light)The ignition coil is the engine fault that recurs most on the 1.2 16v: it appears independently on the Renault Clio II and Clio III, with misfires, jerking or the engine warning light coming on.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsProbe and sensor faults (crankshaft position, throttle body)The 1.2 16V can fail because of specific probes or sensors, above all the crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor) and the throttle body, with the engine warning light on or difficulty starting. Documented on the Clio II, Clio III and Kangoo I.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming 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.
- Low severityFrequency: RareLubricationOil consumption (no documented pattern on this engine)Unlike other small direct-injection turbo engines, the reliability pages consulted for the 1.2 16v (Clio II and III, Kangoo I, Twingo II, Logan I and II, Sandero I and II) document no pattern of excessive oil consumption.
What to check before buying a used Renault Twingo I 1.2 16v 60 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 1.2 16v (2004–2007)
Damaged head gasket and coolant loss
High severityIgnition coil failure (misfires, engine warning light)
Medium severityProbe and sensor faults (crankshaft position, throttle body)
Medium severityTiming belt: preventive maintenance and the odd failure
Medium severityFaults of the Renault Twingo I outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionBroken front suspension springsOn the Twingo I the front suspension springs frequently broke up to the summer 1998 facelift, according to German Wikipedia; fiches-auto.fr also records broken front springs and shock absorber top mounts failing at around 42,000 km.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchQuickshift automated gearbox faultsThe Quickshift automated gearbox, offered from spring 2001, is advised against by several owners on fiches-auto.fr, with various transmission faults. This is based on owner reports, with no campaign or reliable cost figure.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesPremature wear of brake discs and brake hoses on the Twingo IAt the TÜV (the German inspection), the Twingo I failed mainly on its brakes: discs that wore out early, brake hoses that need replacing at around five years, and poor braking efficiency on all axles.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareElectrical systemImmobiliser fault on the Twingo IOver the years the Twingo I's immobiliser can stop working and the car will not start; the German source says a new unit costs at least around €1,000, and sometimes the culprit is the key.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionWheel bearings and front axle on the Twingo IThe front wheel bearings of the Twingo I become noisy and need replacing before 100,000 km, especially if the car hits kerbs or runs quickly over potholes; the front axle also needs attention at the 5 and 7-year checks.
Buying a Renault Twingo I 1.2 16v 60 hp?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Renault Twingo I 1.2 16v 60 hp reliable?
The Renault Twingo I used the 1.2 16v from 2004 to 2007 (1.2 16V 60). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “damaged head gasket and coolant loss” (high severity, occasional). Our verdict: “Buy”.
What faults does the Renault Twingo I 1.2 16v 60 hp have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: damaged head gasket and coolant loss (high severity), ignition coil failure (misfires, engine warning light) (medium severity), probe and sensor faults (crankshaft position, throttle body) (medium severity), timing belt: preventive maintenance and the odd failure (medium severity) and oil consumption (no documented pattern on this engine) (low severity).
Own a Renault Twingo I 1.2 16v 60 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.
- Renault TwingoWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German