Recalls: Renault X98 Clio
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Renault X98 Clio
2013-14 Renault X98 Clio: reduced braking capacity
In November 2014, a recall was issued for Renault X98 Clio vehicles that were manufactured prior to 24 July 2014. In these vehicles, the front brake hoses may have been fitted incorrectly and the wrong rear brake retaining clips may have been fitted. Incorrect fitting of the brake hoses may result in reduced braking capacity and handling ability under heavy braking, increasing the risk of a collision. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range VF15R5A0HD0677993 to VF15R5A0HE0699276, though not all vehicles in this range were to be recalled (PRA 2014/14449).
2016-17 Renault X98 Clio: rear axle bolts may loosen
In April 2020, recall campaign 0CBE was issued for Renault X98 Clio vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 April 2016 to 31 January 2017. In these vehicles, the rear axle bolts may not have been tightened in accordance with specifications. If the rear axle became loose, the roadholding of the vehicle may deteriorate and this increased the risk of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18222.
2013-16 Renault X98 Clio GT: part of rear spoiler may detach
In April 2020, recall campaign 0C6J was issued for Renault X98 Clio GT vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 October 2013 to 31 August 2016. For these vehicles, the upper part of the rear spoiler may detach from the vehicle. If this occurred, the spoiler could collide with other vehicles or cause them to take evasive action, increased the risk of injury to road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18233.
2013-16 Renault X98 Clio: front windscreen wipers may fail
In April 2020, recall campaign 0C66 was issued for Renault X98 Clio vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 August 2013 to 31 December 2016. In these vehicles, the linkage between the front windscreen wipers and the motor may not have been secured in accordance with required specifications – this could cause the front windscreen wipers to fail. If this occurred, rain could obscure the driver’s vision and this increased the risk of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18223.
Problems and faults: Renault X98 Clio
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2013-15 Renault X98 Clio TCe120: excessive oil consumption
For the Renault X98 Clio 1.2 TCe, engines produced prior to 25 July 2015 were susceptible to excessive oil consumption and the following symptoms:
- Illumination of the check engine light;
- Abnormal engine noises; and,
- Black exhaust smoke.
These symptoms were attributed to insufficient pressure in the intake manifold which, in combination with high vacuum in the cylinder, caused a lack of sealing at the second piston ring. As a result, engine oil was sucked into the combustion chamber and burned.
Both Renault’s 1.2 TCe and Nissan’s 1.2 DIG-T engines were affected by this problem and Nissan/Renault addressed this problem with the following measures:
- Initially, the engine control unit (ECU) was re-programmed with updated software to increase pressure in the intake manifold during low engine loads; and,
- If oil consumption was still sufficiently high that it was at its minimum level after 1600 km, then the piston rings were to be replaced. If the engine was noisy, then the chain tensioner, short block assembly or engine itself may need to be replaced depending on the diagnosis.
