Renault 1.5 dCi (K9K)Timing belt
Premature timing belt failure on the 1.5 dCi
Why this rating?
Critical severity: It can destroy the engine or gearbox, or affects safety.
Frequency occasional: Caradisiac speaks of numerous engine failures among owners of the Mégane III 1.5 dCi 85 and 105/110, and Renault opened a workshop action in April 2013. fiches-auto places it on some models (Clio III, Scénic III and Mégane III) at the start of their sales life and, on the 110 hp, speaks of fatal timing slippage, although rarer.[1][2][4]
Symptoms
- A worn belt can produce squealing, rhythmic knocking or abnormal vibrations, although with these premature failures there is not always a warning.[3]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- If the belt breaks, the engine loses synchronisation and stops; in many cases pistons and valves collide.[3]Engine stalls: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- After the failure, the engine will not start again.[1][3]Hard to start: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Fragility of the original timing belt on those versions, which could break before the planned replacement interval.[1][2]
If it is not repaired: The failure puts the engine out of time and can make pistons and valves collide. In the Mégane III and Scénic III cases the engine had to be replaced, with Renault contributing between 80 and 100%.[1][2][3]
Affected cars and years
Caradisiac places the risk on the Scénic III 1.5 dCi 85, 105 and 110 up to late 2010, with the 105 hp the most affected, and documents it on the Mégane III as well. fiches-auto adds the Clio III early in its career.[1][2][4]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 dCi Euro 4 (68/70, 85/86 and 105/106 hp, 2005-2010) | 2005–2010 | K9K 712K9K 714K9K 728K9K 732K9K 764K9K 766K9K 772K9K 792K9K 796K9K 802K9K 830 |
| 1.5 dCi Euro 5 with particulate filter (75, 90, 95 and 110 hp, 2010-2015) | 2010–2015 | K9K 608K9K 609K9K 656K9K 770K9K 832K9K 836K9K 837K9K 846K9K 892K9K 896 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Dacia
- Dacia Duster I2010–2017
- Dacia Logan I2005–2012
- Dacia Sandero I2008–2012
Nissan
- Nissan Qashqai I2007–2013
- Nissan Juke I2010–2019
- Nissan Micra III2003–2010
- Nissan NV2002009–2019
Renault
- Renault Clio III2005–2012
- Renault Mégane II2002–2008
- Renault Mégane III2008–2015
- Renault Scénic III2009–2016
- Renault Kangoo II2008–2021
- Renault Clio II2001–2012
- Renault Scénic II2003–2009
- Renault Kangoo I2001–2007
- Renault Twingo II2007–2014
- Renault Modus2004–2012
- Renault Fluence2010–2016
Suzuki
- Suzuki Jimny III2004–2009
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Preventive replacement of the timing kit; if the belt has already broken, cylinder head repair or engine replacement.[3]
There are no published prices in Spain for this engine. As a generic reference, Autopista says that changing the timing kit usually costs between €400 and €900 depending on the model, and that repairing the cylinder head, valves or pistons after a failure easily exceeds €1,500 or €2,000 (prices in Spain).
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Ask for the invoice for the last belt change and compare it with the maintenance schedule: on the Mégane III, Caradisiac says 160,000 km or 6 years, whichever comes first.[1][3]
- On a 2008-2010 Mégane III or Scénic III with 85, 105 or 110 hp, ask a Renault garage, quoting the chassis number, whether the 2013 workshop action was carried out.[1][2]
- If there are no invoices for the belt change, plan to have it done as soon as you buy the car.[3]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Water pump[3]
Usually replaced together with the timing kit so you do not pay for labour twice.
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How to prevent it
Recalls, campaigns and claims
Technical campaignRenault · April 2013
Workshop action for the fragility of the timing belt
Mégane III 1.5 dCi 85 and 105/110: replacement of the belt and, if it had already broken, of the engine, according to Caradisiac. Before that action, most engine replacements were done under warranty.[1]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
How often is the 1.5 dCi belt changed?
It depends on the model and the market: on the Mégane III, Caradisiac says every 160,000 km or 6 years. Check your car's maintenance schedule and apply whichever comes first.[1][3]
Which versions had the fragile belt?
The 85, 105 and 110 hp 1.5 dCi engines built up to late 2010, with the 105 hp the most affected, especially in the Scénic III and Mégane III.[1][2]
What happens if the belt breaks?
The engine loses synchronisation and pistons and valves can collide. On the affected Mégane III and Scénic III models the engine had to be replaced.[1][2][3]
Should the water pump be changed as well?
It is advisable: Autopista recommends replacing the complete kit, with tensioners, pulleys and water pump, so you do not pay for labour twice.[3]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.5 dCi faults
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlNOx trap and AdBlue system on the Euro 6 1.5 dCiThe 2015 Euro 6b 1.5 dCi engines had a badly calibrated NOx trap that Renault corrected with recall campaigns. On the Blue dCi (from 2018), the AdBlue pump, tank or injector can fail, with an emissions warning and even the car locked out with a full tank.
More faults with the timing belt on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 EcoBoostDegradation of the timing belt running in oilYes: the 1.0 EcoBoost's timing belt runs in oil and can degrade over the years, shedding bits of rubber that block the oil pump and seize the engine without warning. The NHTSA is investigating the case in the United States and Ford has shortened the recommended replacement interval.Repair (garage): €800–€1,200
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlueDegradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)Yes: the 2.0 EcoBlue debuted a timing belt that runs bathed in oil on Ford's diesels. Over the years it can degrade and shed debris that affects the lubrication circuit, with a risk of seizure. A roundup by Autopista.es places it in the Focus, Kuga, Transit and Transit/Tourneo Custom.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 / 1.5 VTEC TurboEngine failure caused by the wet timing beltYes: the 1.0 VTEC Turbo (P10A2) uses an oil-bath timing belt that degrades over time, blocks the lubrication circuit and can destroy the engine completely. Fiches-auto.fr documents several cases in the Honda Civic between 72,000 and 114,000 km.Appears at around 72,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonD4/D5Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)Yes: on the 2.4/2.0 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016), several owners describe the auxiliary belt breaking and taking out or damaging the timing belt, with the engine destroyed. It happens in the S60 and XC60 between 74,000 and 119,000 km, and in one case not even the extended warranty covered it.
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité Renault Mégane 3 : que vaut le modèle en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 25 November 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité : que vaut le Renault Scénic 3 en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 2 February 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- A cuántos kilómetros se cambia la correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 14 May 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiabilité du 1.5 dCiFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 19 April 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French