IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
1998–2000 Renault Clio Mk2

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 1998–2000 Renault Clio Mk2. None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

The 1998–2000 period has 2 more issues than the Renault Clio Mk2 average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Coil-pack and TDC-sensor starting faults

ModerateEngine

One of the best-known Clio Mk2 issues. Failing coil packs or crank/TDC sensors cause misfires, poor starting and occasional cut-outs.

Most affected: 1.2 petrol, 1.4 petrol, 1.6 petrol

Estimated cost: £70–£220Affects: 1998–2005Often appears around: 40,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Misfire under load
  • •Hard hot starts
  • •Intermittent non-start

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Cold and hot restart
  • ✓Recent ignition-part history
  • ✓Whether the engine-management light is present

Front coil spring and suspension wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Front springs, top mounts and lower arms are regular MOT items on the Mk2, especially on cars that have lived on rough roads and cheap tyres.

Most affected: All Mk2 Clio models

Estimated cost: £140–£320Affects: 1998–2005Often appears around: 50,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Front-end clonk
  • •Uneven ride height
  • •Loose steering feel

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect spring coils and top mounts
  • ✓Drive over bumps
  • ✓Check MOT history for repeated front-end wear

Electric-window and central-locking faults

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Window regulators, switches and locking modules can all fail intermittently, adding the sort of electrical frustration that gave older Renaults their reputation.

Most affected: Privilege, Dynamique, Expression

Estimated cost: £90–£280Affects: 1998–2005Often appears around: Any mileage; often age related

Typical symptoms

  • •Window drops slowly or not at all
  • •Locks cycle unpredictably
  • •Remote key works intermittently

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Operate every window repeatedly
  • ✓Test remote locking from both keys
  • ✓Inspect door looms for previous repairs

Buying Tips for the 1998 Renault Clio Mk2

  • ✓Check the coil packs and TDC-sensor behaviour with a proper cold start because intermittent starting faults are common
  • ✓Inspect the front springs carefully — snapped coils are a long-running UK MOT theme
  • ✓Electric windows and central locking should work every time; intermittent operation usually means money and hassle
  • ✓Watch for rust around the rear arches and underbody on the cheapest cars
2001 Renault Clio Mk2

Browse 1998–2000 Renault Clio Mk2 in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 1998–2000 Renault Clio Mk2 vehicles.

View 1998–2000 Directory

Other Renault Clio Mk2 Year Periods

1998–200020012002–2005

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