Renault Captur I (2013 – 2019)

Reliability score : 8.5/10

Renault Captur I (J87) A pioneer and undisputed best-seller in the urban SUV segment in Europe, the first-generation Renault Captur is based on the Alliance's B platform (shared with the Clio IV). Launched in 2013, it appealed with its two-tone design, clever modularity (sliding bench seat, 'Easy Life' drawer glove box), and ride comfort. The facelift (Phase 2) introduced in spring 2017 is crucial: it corrected the model's main flaw at launch, namely a very plastic and unappealing interior finish, by adopting soft-touch materials and new assemblies. Diesel Focus: In this generation, the 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine reached full maturity. Freed from the serious injection issues (metal filings) of the 2000s, it proves to be a real workhorse, extremely reliable if used according to its purpose (road/

✅ Strengths

Remarkable reliability of the 1.5 dCi engine in this generation
Extremely low real-world diesel consumption (often under 5L/100km)
Excellent modularity (rear bench sliding by 16 cm)
Very reasonable maintenance and insurance costs
Suspension comfort and smooth driving
Significantly improved interior finish quality after the 2017 facelift

⚠️ Weaknesses

Hard interior plastics, very prone to scratches (Phase 1 before 2017)
Catastrophic reliability of the 1.2 TCe 120 petrol engine
EDC automatic gearbox sometimes causes jerks and clutch wear in urban driving
Imperfect sound insulation on the highway (wind noise)
R-Link 1 multimedia system slow and prone to bugs (MediaNav more basic but more reliable)

🎯 Verdict

The Renault Captur I is an excellent used car choice if you target the right engines. For diesel, it's a big 'YES'. The 1.5 dCi, whether 90 hp or 110 hp, has reached an exceptional level of reliability in this generation. It's indestructible, economical, and perfectly suited to the vehicle. Buying Advice: Prioritize a Phase 2 model (after April 2017) with the 1.5 dCi 110 hp (6-speed manual gearbox) for total versatility and a decent interior finish. If you opt for a dCi 90 EDC, ensure the automatic gearbox has been thoroughly tested when cold and in traffic jams. Absolutely avoid the 1.2 TCe 120 petrol versions.

Common issues

Vanne EGR et FAP (Filtre à Particules) encrassés Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 250 – 2 000 € (selon nettoyage ou remplacement)

Privilégier les longs trajets réguliers pour décrasser le FAP.

Injecteurs défaillants (moteur 1.5 dCi) moyenne à haute

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 300 – 2 000 € (par injecteur ou jeu complet)

Utiliser du carburant de qualité et un additif nettoyant occasionnellement.

Défaillance du turbocompresseur High

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 1 200 – 2 500 €

Respecter scrupuleusement les intervalles de vidange avec l'huile préconisée.

Usure prématurée du volant moteur bi-masse et de l'embrayage Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 1 000 – 2 000 €

Tester l'embrayage et écouter les bruits de volant moteur avant achat.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£85 – 155
Timing belt	£510 – 1 020
Clutch	£760 – 1 360
Complete brakes	£255 – 510
Estimated annual budget	£600 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.