Renault-Dacia 1.2 16v (D4F / D7F)Timing belt
Timing belt: preventive maintenance and the odd failure on the 1.2 16v
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency rare: Fiches-auto.fr documents 2 timing cases out of 51 reports for the 1.2 16V in the Clio II (3.9%) and 3 out of 92 in the Clio III (3.3%): these are isolated cases, not a widespread pattern. We include this entry not because the belt fails often, but because it is a part that must be replaced on schedule and should be checked when buying a car with this engine.[2][3]
Symptoms
- Abnormal noise around the timing area if the belt or the rollers are worn.[1]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Sudden engine stop if the belt breaks.[2]Engine stalls: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
Why it happens
Normal wear of the timing belt over time and mileage, as on any engine with this system; the sources consulted give no official replacement interval in kilometres or years for this specific engine.[1]
If it is not repaired: If the belt breaks, the engine stops suddenly. We have not found a source confirming whether the 1.2 16v is an interference engine (valves that can hit the pistons); as a precaution, it is best to treat it like any belt-driven engine and not stretch the replacement interval.[2]
Affected cars and years
Applies to the whole D4F/D7F family: all the documented versions use a timing belt, not a chain.[1][5][6]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 16v 75/76 (D4F, 2001-2020) | 2001–2020 | D4F 706D4F 712D4F 714D4F 722D4F 728D4F 772D4F 780 |
| 1.2 16v 60 (D4F 708, Twingo I, 2004-2007) | 2004–2007 | D4F 708 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Dacia
- Dacia Logan I2004–2012
- Dacia Sandero I2008–2012
- Dacia Logan II2012–2020
- Dacia Sandero II2012–2020
Renault
- Renault Clio II2001–2012
- Renault Clio III2005–2012
- Renault Clio IV2012–2019
- Renault Twingo I2004–2007
- Renault Twingo II2007–2010
- Renault Modus2004–2012
- Renault Kangoo I1997–2007
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the timing kit (belt, tensioner and rollers); it is also worth checking the water pump if the garage recommends doing it in the same job.[4]
We have not found a published quote in Spain for the timing kit on this specific engine. Autopista.es notes, in general terms for any car, that the belt is usually changed every 5-10 years or at the manufacturer's interval.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Ask for the invoice for the last timing belt change and its date or mileage; if there is no history and the car is a few years old, plan on the change as an upcoming expense.
- Check the manual or ask an authorised dealer for the recommended replacement interval for your specific year and version.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Timing kit (belt, tensioner and rollers)
Replaced as preventive maintenance at the manufacturer's interval, or urgently if wear or abnormal noise is detected.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Follow the timing belt replacement interval given in the manufacturer's manual for your year and version; we have not found a single figure valid for this engine's whole 2001-2020 range.[4]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1.2 16v have a timing belt or a chain?
It has a timing belt in all its versions (D7F and D4F), not a chain.[1][5][6]
How many kilometres between belt changes?
We have not found a specific official interval for this engine in the sources consulted; follow the manufacturer's manual for your specific year and version and, if in doubt, treat it with the same caution as any belt-driven engine.[4]
Is it an interference engine (can it be wrecked if the belt breaks)?
We have not found a source that confirms or rules it out for this specific engine, so we recommend not stretching the replacement interval as a precaution.[2]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.2 16v faults
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockDamaged head gasket and coolant lossOn higher-mileage 1.2 16V engines, cases of a damaged head gasket are documented, with coolant loss and a risk of overheating; it appears on the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Sandero I, but not in the pages for the Clio III or the second generation of Logan and Sandero.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failure (misfires, engine warning light)The ignition coil is the engine fault that recurs most on the 1.2 16v: it appears independently on the Renault Clio II and Clio III, with misfires, jerking or the engine warning light coming on.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsProbe and sensor faults (crankshaft position, throttle body)The 1.2 16V can fail because of specific probes or sensors, above all the crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor) and the throttle body, with the engine warning light on or difficulty starting. Documented on the Clio II, Clio III and Kangoo I.
- Low severityFrequency: RareLubricationOil consumption (no documented pattern on this engine)Unlike other small direct-injection turbo engines, the reliability pages consulted for the 1.2 16v (Clio II and III, Kangoo I, Twingo II, Logan I and II, Sandero I and II) document no pattern of excessive oil consumption.
More faults with the timing belt on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 EcoBoostDegradation of the timing belt running in oilYes: the 1.0 EcoBoost's timing belt runs in oil and can degrade over the years, shedding bits of rubber that block the oil pump and seize the engine without warning. The NHTSA is investigating the case in the United States and Ford has shortened the recommended replacement interval.Repair (garage): €800–€1,200
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlueDegradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)Yes: the 2.0 EcoBlue debuted a timing belt that runs bathed in oil on Ford's diesels. Over the years it can degrade and shed debris that affects the lubrication circuit, with a risk of seizure. A roundup by Autopista.es places it in the Focus, Kuga, Transit and Transit/Tourneo Custom.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 / 1.5 VTEC TurboEngine failure caused by the wet timing beltYes: the 1.0 VTEC Turbo (P10A2) uses an oil-bath timing belt that degrades over time, blocks the lubrication circuit and can destroy the engine completely. Fiches-auto.fr documents several cases in the Honda Civic between 72,000 and 114,000 km.Appears at around 72,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonD4/D5Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)Yes: on the 2.4/2.0 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016), several owners describe the auxiliary belt breaking and taking out or damaging the timing belt, with the engine destroyed. It happens in the S60 and XC60 between 74,000 and 119,000 km, and in one case not even the extended warranty covered it.
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
Have you had this fault? Your case helps other owners know when it appears and how much it costs. Report your fault in 2 minutes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Moteur D RenaultWikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- ¿Cuántos kilómetros se cambia la correa de distribución? Cuándo hacerlo antes para evitar averíasAutopista · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Renault TwingoWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Renault Clio IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German