IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2019 Renault Clio Mk5

Fifth-generation Clio launches on the modular CMF-B platform with vastly upgraded soft-touch interior materials, 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen, 1.0 TCe turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol, and later the innovative clutchless 1.6 E-Tech 140 full hybrid.

What changed for 2019

  • •All-new CMF-B architecture with 5-star Euro NCAP rating and standard ADAS suite
  • •Introduction of refined 1.0 TCe 100 3-cylinder engine and E-Tech multimodal hybrid powertrain
  • •Smart Cockpit interior redesign with high-set console and optional digital driver display

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension drop link and track rod end play from urban speed humps
  • !Brake disc surface corrosion and rear drum brake imbalance on lower-mileage examples
  • !Headlamp aim deviation on LED reflector units
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

1.3 TCe thermostat-housing coolant leaks

ModerateCooling System

The later 1.3 TCe is far safer than the old 1.2 TCe, but coolant loss from the plastic thermostat housing is a known annoyance that should not be ignored.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£700
Warning Signs:

Coolant level drops, Sweet smell after a drive, Temperature warning if badly neglected

What to Inspect:
  • Coolant level when cold
  • Staining around the thermostat housing
  • Evidence of coolant-top-up or housing replacement
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

EDC low-speed hesitation and shudder

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The dual-clutch EDC can hesitate pulling away, feel jerky when parking and occasionally throw transmission warnings if calibration or clutch wear is not ideal.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Jerky crawl in traffic, Delay selecting reverse or drive, Shudder moving off

What to Inspect:
  • Drive it in town, not just on clear roads
  • Try repeated hill starts and parking manoeuvres
  • Check for software or clutch-work invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Easy Link infotainment and camera glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Freezing screens, missing audio, intermittent reversing cameras and flaky phone pairing are among the most common Clio Mk5 complaints.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£700
Warning Signs:

Screen reboots, No sound from media, Camera image fails to load, Bluetooth disconnects

What to Inspect:
  • Start the system from cold
  • Pair a phone and test navigation plus audio together
  • Check dealer update history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2019 Renault Clio Mk5

  • Test the central Easy Link touchscreen for unresponsive touch inputs or Bluetooth disconnects
  • Ensure the 1.0 TCe pulls smoothly without hesitation or cold-start throttle surge
  • Check that the 12V auxiliary battery is healthy, as low voltage triggers spurious dashboard warnings
2020–2022
Check a 2019 Renault Clio Mk5 by Registration