Renault-Dacia 1.2 16v (D4F / D7F)Ignition coils and spark plugs
Ignition coil failure (misfires, engine warning light) on the 1.2 16v
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: Fiches-auto.fr documents 7 ignition coil cases out of 51 reports for the 1.2 16V in the Renault Clio II (13.7%) and 7 out of 92 in the Clio III (7.6%); in both cases it is the engine issue that recurs most on the page. The same source also lists the coils as a typical failure area of the 1.2 in the Renault Kangoo I, with no separate figure. Because it recurs independently as the most-cited fault across two different generations, we classify it as frequent.[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on when a coil fails.[1]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Misfires that are felt as jerking or rough running of the engine.[1][2]Jerking: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Rough running or loss of power linked to the cylinder whose coil is failing.[2]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
Why it happens
Degradation of the ignition coil (or coil pack) with use, with the sources giving no specific design cause beyond the typical wear of this component.[1][2]
If it is not repaired: A failing coil causes misfires in the affected cylinder, with jerking, the engine warning light and, if ignored, possible damage to the catalytic converter from unburnt fuel. No risk of serious damage to the engine block is described.[1][2]
Affected cars and years
Documented on the Renault Clio II and Clio III (1.2 16V version) and flagged as a typical failure area on the Kangoo I; there is no separate data for the other applications (Twingo, Modus, Logan, Sandero), although they share the same ignition system.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 16v 75/76 (D4F, 2001-2020) | 2001–2020 | D4F 706D4F 712D4F 714D4F 722D4F 728D4F 772D4F 780 |
| 1.2 16v 60 (D4F 708, Twingo I, 2004-2007) | 2004–2007 | D4F 708 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Dacia
- Dacia Logan I2004–2012
- Dacia Sandero I2008–2012
- Dacia Logan II2012–2020
- Dacia Sandero II2012–2020
Renault
- Renault Clio II2001–2012
- Renault Clio III2005–2012
- Renault Clio IV2012–2019
- Renault Twingo I2004–2007
- Renault Twingo II2007–2010
- Renault Modus2004–2012
- Renault Kangoo I1997–2007
- Renault Twingo I2001–2007
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis and replacement of the affected ignition coil or coils.[1]
We have not found a published quote in Spain for this repair on this engine; as it is a common part on the spares market, the cost is usually moderate.
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
- Start the engine from cold and accelerate progressively, watching for jerking, an uneven idle or the engine warning light.
- Ask whether any ignition coil has been replaced and whether the engine warning light has ever come on.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Ignition coil
Replaced when it fails and causes misfires in one cylinder.
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How to prevent it
- Use spark plugs of the type and at the interval recommended by the manufacturer: worn plugs put more strain on the coils.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Why does the ignition coil fail on the 1.2 16v?
The sources consulted give no specific design cause: it is a wear component that, over time, can stop producing the spark needed in one of the cylinders.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.2 16v faults
- 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: 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.
More faults with the ignition coils on other engines and cars
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.4 and 1.6 16vIgnition coil failureThe individual ignition coils are the most-cited fault of the K4J/K4M in the European Renault versions: they fail frequently and cause jerking, loss of power and the engine warning light coming on. It is a cheap electrical part to replace, not internal engine damage.Appears at around 30,000 km
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.2 PureTechSpark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turboOn the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech/e-THP turbo the original spark plugs can break; if a fragment falls into the cylinder it can damage the engine. Autojournal cites a 2015 recall to replace them on the 308 II.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N43/N46Injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43)On the direct-injection BMW N43, failures of the injectors, ignition coils (mainly in 2007-2008 units, now rare after a BMW service action) and the NOx sensor of its lean-burn combustion have been documented. The indirect-injection N46 does not have that sensor and does not suffer these failures.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N54/N55Oil in the spark plug wells from the rocker cover gasketOn the N54 and N55 the rocker cover gasket hardens with age and lets oil seep into the spark plug wells. Guides treat it as a known fault: it smells of burnt oil and can damage spark plugs and coils.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.0/1.2/1.4 EcotecIgnition coil failureThe ignition coils on this engine fail fairly often in the Corsa, Astra, Meriva and Adam, causing jerking, the engine warning light and, in the clearest cases, the engine running on one cylinder fewer; the garage fixes it by replacing the affected coil.Repair (garage): €150–€480Appears at around 15,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 TurboIgnition coil failureThe ignition coils of the 1.4 Turbo fail fairly often on the Mokka and Meriva B, with jerking, occasional loss of power and the engine warning light on; the garage fixes it by replacing the affected coil or coils.Repair (garage): €400–€600Appears at around 47,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault KangooFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French