Common Problems with the
2018 Renault Clio Mk4

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2018 Renault Clio Mk4. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

Known Issues

Serious

Moderate

Minor

The 2018 period has 1 more issue than the Renault Clio Mk4 average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

EDC Gearbox Shudder and Actuator Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The dual-clutch EDC gearbox can suffer from jerky shifts, shuddering when moving off, or complete loss of drive due to actuator failure. This is often exacerbated by heavy urban use in the UK. Software updates can help, but hardware failure is common.

Most affected: 1.2 TCe EDC, 1.5 dCi EDC

Estimated cost: £800–£2,500Affects: 2012–2018Often appears around: 30,000–80,000 miles

Typical symptoms

•Shudder moving off
•Delayed engagement of gears
•Gearbox overheating message
•Clunky low-speed shifts

What to inspect before you buy

✓Test the car in heavy traffic and perform hill starts
✓Check for gearbox fault messages on the dash
✓Look for evidence of previous clutch or actuator replacements

1.2 TCe Oil Consumption (H5F Engine)

SeriousEngine

The early 1.2 TCe engine is notorious for high oil consumption, often leading to low oil pressure, timing chain stretch, and total engine failure. This is caused by excessive vacuum in the intake manifold pulling oil past the piston rings.

Most affected: 1.2 TCe 120 / 130

Estimated cost: £1,000–£4,000Affects: 2013–2018Often appears around: 40,000–90,000 miles

Typical symptoms

•Heavy oil consumption (needs top-up every 1k miles)
•Blue smoke on overrun
•Engine management light with misfire codes

What to inspect before you buy

✓Ask the seller how much oil the car uses
✓Check the oil level and look for soot on the exhaust
✓Prefer the later 1.3 TCe (H5H) engine (2019+) which fixed these issues

Buying Tips for the 2018 Renault Clio Mk4

✓On EDC cars, test for hesitation and shudder in slow traffic and on inclines because short drives do not always show the issue
✓Ask directly whether the 1.2 TCe uses oil between services; vague answers are a bad sign
✓Test the R-Link screen thoroughly for lag, reboots and Bluetooth issues
✓Check the MOT history for repeated rear suspension, spring or brake advisories on higher-mileage cars

2017 Renault Clio Mk4 2019 Renault Clio Mk4