Renault Kadjar Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Renault Kadjar is a well-known compact SUV praised for its stylish design, fuel efficiency and family-friendly practicality. Sharing a platform with the Nissan Qashqai, it benefits from shared components and proven engineering. However, the Kadjar is not perfect. Several known faults affect different versions of this SUV, particularly used models with higher mileage or poor service history. In this guide, you’ll learn the most common Renault Kadjar problems and exactly how much you can expect to pay for repairs in the UK.
1. Timing Chain and Timing Belt Issues
The 1.2 TCe petrol engine can suffer from high oil consumption and stretched timing chains. The 1.5 dCi diesel uses a timing belt that must be replaced at set intervals to avoid major engine failure.
Symptoms to look out for:
- Engine rattling on cold starts
- Sudden drop in oil level
- Reduced fuel economy
Typical causes:
- Chain stretch on 1.2 TCe
- Timing belt overdue on 1.5 dCi
Repair costs:
- Timing chain kit: £400 to £600
- Labour for chain fitting: £350 to £500
- Timing belt kit: £200 to £350
- Labour for belt change: £200 to £300
- Total cost: £400 to £1,100 depending on engine type
2. Turbocharger Problems (Diesel Models)
The 1.5 and 1.6 dCi diesel engines have shown issues with turbo failure, especially on models that have been poorly maintained or missed oil changes.
Symptoms include:
- Whistling noise while accelerating
- Reduced engine power
- Excessive black smoke from the exhaust
Common causes:
- Oil blockage in turbo lines
- Worn turbo bearings or seals
Repair costs:
- Turbo replacement: £450 to £700
- Labour: £300 to £400
- Oil and filter flush: £80 to £120
- Total cost: £830 to £1,200
3. Electrical and Sensor Faults
Renault Kadjars are known to develop minor electrical problems, especially with sensors and onboard electronics.
Typical issues:
- Random dashboard warning lights
- Stop/start system not working
- Parking sensors beeping for no reason
Possible causes:
- Faulty wheel speed sensors
- Low battery voltage
- Control module software faults
Repair costs:
- Diagnostic scan: £60 to £90
- Sensor replacement: £80 to £150
- Module reprogramming: £150 to £300
- Total cost: £60 to £450
4. Clutch and Flywheel Wear (Manual Models)
Manual diesel Kadjars are prone to clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear, especially in models used for heavy towing or long motorway runs.
What you might notice:
- Clutch slipping under load
- Juddering when moving off
- Rattling sound when idling in neutral
Repair costs:
- Clutch kit: £250 to £400
- Flywheel: £350 to £600
- Labour: £400 to £500
- Total cost: £1,000 to £1,400
5. Suspension Noises and Wear
Suspension components such as drop links and wishbones wear faster on UK roads due to potholes and speed bumps.
Symptoms:
- Clunking noise on bumpy roads
- Steering feels loose
- Uneven tyre wear
Common fixes:
- Drop link replacement: £25 to £40 each
- Anti-roll bar bushes: £30 to £50
- Labour: £100 to £150 per axle
- Total cost: £150 to £300
6. Infotainment Freezing and Connectivity Problems
The R-Link 2 infotainment system found in many Kadjars can be slow to respond or freeze completely.
Known problems:
- Touchscreen crashes or resets
- Navigation not loading
- Bluetooth disconnecting frequently
Repair costs:
- Software update: Free to £90
- Replacement unit: £500 to £750
- Total cost: £0 to £750
7. DPF and EGR Valve Problems (Diesel Models)
Kadjars fitted with diesel engines are prone to blocked Diesel Particulate Filters and EGR valve failures if used mainly for short journeys.
Symptoms:
- Engine warning light
- Power loss under acceleration
- Poor fuel economy
Causes:
- Soot build-up in DPF or EGR
- Faulty exhaust temperature or pressure sensors
Repair costs:
- DPF regeneration: £90 to £150
- EGR cleaning: £80 to £120
- New EGR valve: £200 to £300
- DPF replacement: £600 to £1,000
- Total cost: £90 to £1,000
Is the Renault Kadjar a Reliable Car?
The Kadjar is reasonably reliable if serviced on time and used correctly. The biggest issues come from delayed maintenance or neglect. Early 1.2 petrol engines should be avoided unless you have solid evidence of timing chain and oil checks.
If you’re thinking about buying used, always get a full vehicle inspection from a trusted service like CAREXAMER. Their mobile inspectors check over 100 points and help you avoid buying a problem car.
Maintenance Tips to Avoid Major Problems
- Change engine oil every 10,000 miles or annually
- Replace timing belt before 60,000 miles on diesel models
- Use high-quality diesel to reduce DPF issues
- Keep the battery in good health to avoid sensor faults
- Update infotainment software regularly
Final Thoughts
The Renault Kadjar is a practical and comfortable SUV, but it’s not perfect. Common problems include turbo issues, electrical faults, clutch wear and timing chain concerns. With proper servicing and early diagnosis, most of these can be fixed before they become expensive.
If you’re buying used, don’t leave it to chance. Book a CAREXAMER pre-purchase inspection and know exactly what you’re getting before you buy.
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