CKFCar Known Faults
MinorAffected: 2012-201920,000–100,000 miles

Renault Clio Mk4 0.9 TCe 90bhp — Keycard Failure / Not Detected

Renault's hands-free keycard system frequently fails to recognise the key, refusing to unlock the car or start the engine.

Severity

Minor

DIY Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

£40–£250

OBD Codes

None

Symptoms

  • 'Card Not Detected' message on dashboard
  • Car refuses to start even when the card is in the slot
  • Buttons on the card stop locking/unlocking the doors

Root Cause

The internal soldered connections inside the thin plastic keycard break when the card is kept in a tight pocket or sat upon.

How To Fix

  1. Change the CR2032 battery first.
  2. If it still fails, the internal coil has snapped off the circuit board.
  3. A specialist auto locksmith can cut the card open and resolder the coil (£40-50).
  4. A new programmed card from Renault is £180-250.

Estimated Repair Costs

Repair OptionEst. Cost (GBP)
DIY (parts only)£16–£100
Independent Garage£40–£250
Main Dealership£64–£400

Other Faults on This Variant

Thermostat Housing Leak

Severe
2012-201940,000–80,000 miles£150–£200

The plastic thermostat housing on the 0.9 TCe warps and cracks, leading to a rapid loss of engine coolant and severe overheating risk.

Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle

Severe
2012-201950,000–90,000 miles£600–£800

The 0.9 TCe 3-cylinder engine suffers from premature timing chain stretch, causing an aggressive rattle and potentially fatal engine timing slip.

VVT Solenoid Oil Leak

Minor
2012-201950,000–100,000 miles£10–£80

The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoid located on the top of the cylinder head leaks oil, which runs down the front of the engine.

Disclaimer: Repair cost estimates are indicative and based on community data. Always get a quote from a qualified mechanic before proceeding with any repair.