1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K)
2019–2023 · diesel · 1461cc · 115hp
Engine codes: K9K, R9M
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Renault Clio V 1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K). Check this before you buy used.
The 1.5 dCi (K9K — the ubiquitous Renault small diesel shared across the entire Renault-Nissan-Dacia range) is the high-mileage, low-cost Duster II choice and a classic budget workhorse, available with 4x4. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, injector wear, the timing belt (do it on schedule), and AdBlue/SCR on the later Blue dCi cars. With clean fuel and an on-time belt it's dependable and very economical — exactly the rugged, cheap-to-run package the Duster is known for. Buy on belt, DPF and injector history.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (K9K) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
DPF clogs and EGR soots on urban use; injector wear; AdBlue on Blue dCi.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean EGR; injector test.
Repair cost: €250–€1100
Typically appears after: 140,000 km
K9K belt-driven — change on schedule.
Fix / Workaround: Belt per schedule.
Repair cost: €250–€700
Typically appears after: 130,000 km
K9K belt-driven (do on schedule); AdBlue/SCR on later cars.
Fix / Workaround: Belt per schedule; diagnose SCR.
Repair cost: €250–€900
Typically appears after: 130,000 km
Mileage Thresholds
After 220,000 km: Rugged, cheap, high-mileage capable.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Same K9K as Clio / Mégane / Qashqai
- ☐Timing belt on schedule
- ☐4x4 available; budget workhorse
- ☐Injector + DPF history
- ☐Same K9K as Captur / Mégane / Qashqai
- ☐Best for motorway miles
- ☐Same K9K/R9M as Qashqai / Kadjar
- ☐Belt + DPF + injector history
- ☐1.6 R9M is the stronger pick
Frequently asked questions
Is the Renault Clio V 1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The 1.5 dCi (K9K — the ubiquitous Renault small diesel shared across the entire Renault-Nissan-Dacia range) is the high-mileage, low-cost Duster II choice and a classic budget workhorse, available with 4x4. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, injector wear, the timing belt (do it on schedule), and AdBlue/SCR on the later Blue dCi cars. With clean fuel and an on-time belt it's dependable and very economical — exactly the rugged, cheap-to-run package the Duster is known for. Buy on belt, DPF and injector history.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Renault Clio V 1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K)?
The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR / injector, Timing belt (K9K), Timing belt (K9K) / AdBlue.
Is a used Renault Clio V 1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.