Variable valve timing actuator Renault: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Renault models it appears in.

- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.4 and 1.6 16vVariable valve timing unit failure (dephaser pulley)K4M versions with a variable valve timing unit can suffer a failure of the unit's pulley (déphaseur): unstable idle, hard cold starting and a metallic knock on start-up. It is a minority of the documented cases, but it recurs across several different generations.
In Clio II, Clio III, Kangoo I, Laguna II, Mégane I and Mégane II and 3 more models
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeTiming phaser faultA fault in the camshaft phaser can turn on the injection warning light and sometimes cause a loss of power in the 1.3 TCe/DIG-T. Renault-Nissan corrected it at the factory in February 2021; the repair involves checking the solenoid valves and, if necessary, replacing oil control valves.
In Arkana, Captur II, Clio V, Kadjar, Mégane IV and Scénic IV
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.0 16v F4R and F4RTFaulty camshaft variable valve timing pulleyOn the F4R 2.0 16v the variable valve timing pulley can degrade and cause a metallic, diesel-like rattle at idle or when warm. The sources put it at around 120,000 km on the Mégane II; replacement is expensive if done together with the timing belt kit.
In Clio II, Clio III, Laguna II, Mégane II and Mégane III

By Renault model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the variable valve timing actuator do Renault cars have?

In 15 models from Renault there are 3 documented faults with the variable valve timing actuator. The most important: variable valve timing unit failure (dephaser pulley), timing phaser fault and faulty camshaft variable valve timing pulley. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Renault models have the most problems with the variable valve timing actuator?

Renault Clio II (2 faults), Renault Laguna II (2 faults), Renault Mégane II (2 faults) and Renault Clio III (2 faults).

Which Renault engines have faults with the variable valve timing actuator?

1.3 TCe (1 fault), 1.4 and 1.6 16v (1 fault) and 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT (1 fault).