Generations
HFE — First Generation
2015–2022
1.2 TCe, 1.2 TCe, 1.2 TCe, 1.3 TCe, 1.3 TCe, 1.3 TCe
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Renault Kadjar problems ranked by severity. We track 7 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Major
Turbo failure (HFE)
The 1.2 TCe turbocharged engine uses a small turbocharger with wastegate actuator that suffers from oil contamination and carbon build-up. The turbo oil feed lines are particularly narrow and prone to blockage, leading to bearing failure and shaft play. This is compounded by extended service intervals and stop-start driving patterns common in urban use. Failure typically manifests as loss of boost pressure, blue smoke from the exhaust, or complete loss of power. Replacement requires a new or remanufactured turbocharger unit.
What happens if ignoredComplete turbo failure results in significant power loss making the car unsafe for motorway use. Oil contamination from failed seals can damage the catalytic converter and intercooler system. Total repair costs range from £800-£1,500 including labour. The car remains driveable but with severely reduced performance.
Independent garage
£800–£1,200
Specialist
£1,000–£1,500
Main dealer
£1,200–£1,800
Parts only
£400–£800
Minor
DPF issues (HFE)
The diesel particulate filter on 1.5 dCi and 1.6 dCi engines becomes blocked when used predominantly for short journeys that prevent natural regeneration cycles. The system relies on sustained high exhaust temperatures achieved during motorway driving to burn off accumulated soot. Urban driving patterns common with crossover vehicles lead to incomplete regeneration and eventual DPF blockage. The problem is driving-dependent rather than a design fault but requires intervention once blockage occurs.
What happens if ignoredA completely blocked DPF requires professional cleaning or replacement. Cleaning costs £150-300 while replacement ranges from £500-1500. Continued driving with a blocked DPF can damage other emission control components and trigger limp-mode limiting vehicle performance to 2000 RPM.
Independent garage
£500–£1,200
Specialist
£600–£1,500
Main dealer
£800–£1,800
Parts only
£300–£900
Minor
Suspension joint dust cover deterioration (HFE)
The rubber dust covers protecting suspension ball joints and CV joints deteriorate at 276.8 times the fleet average rate, particularly on 1.6 dCi variants. MOT data shows 4,913 failures across multiple mileage bands with the issue worsening over time. The covers split or perish allowing water and debris to contaminate the joint grease, leading to accelerated wear and eventual joint failure. This appears to be a material quality issue affecting the rubber compounds used.
What happens if ignoredTorn dust covers allow water and dirt to enter the joints leading to accelerated wear and eventual failure. Joint replacement typically costs £100-200 per corner for ball joints or £200-400 for CV joints including labour. While not immediately dangerous, worn joints affect handling precision and will eventually fail MOT tests.
Independent garage
£80–£150
Specialist
£100–£180
Main dealer
£150–£250
Parts only
£15–£30
Minor
Engine MIL warning lights (HFE)
The malfunction indicator lamp (engine management light) illuminates at 6 dCi diesel variants. Common triggers include DPF regeneration issues, lambda sensor faults, and EGR valve problems. While often emissions-related rather than indicating immediate mechanical failure, the light causes MOT failure and requires diagnostic investigation.
What happens if ignoredAn illuminated MIL causes automatic MOT failure regardless of the underlying cause. Diagnostic costs range from £50-100 with repair costs varying from £100-800 depending on the root cause. Common fixes include lambda sensor replacement, EGR cleaning, or DPF regeneration. The car remains safe to drive but will fail MOT testing.
Independent garage
£50–£400
Specialist
£80–£500
Main dealer
£100–£600
Parts only
£20–£200
3 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.
Check a specific car →MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Renault Kadjar fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Parking brake inefficient
Brakes · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 22x the fleet average
Sample: 5,570 tests
Body panel or body component
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 11x the fleet average
Sample: 20,764 tests
Front or rear fog lamp not securely attached
Lights & Electrics · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 10x the fleet average
Sample: 7,748 tests
Tyre wear or damage
Tyres · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 8.9x the fleet average
Sample: 908 tests
Headlight fault
Lights & Electrics · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 8.0x the fleet average
Sample: 94,860 tests
Any part of the noise suppression system insecure
Exhaust & Emissions · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 7.8x the fleet average
Sample: 9,187 tests
Buying a Renault Kadjar?
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Related
Renault Kadjar reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Renault Kadjar?
The Renault Kadjar has 7 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most common problems relate to Turbo failure (HFE).
Is the Renault Kadjar reliable?
The Renault Kadjar has 0 dangerous and 1 major known issues. No dangerous issues are tracked, which is a positive sign.
How much does it cost to fix Renault Kadjar problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Turbo failure (HFE)) costs £800–£1,200 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.