Renault Kadjar I (HFE) (2015 – 2022)

Reliability score : 7.4/10

The Renault Kadjar (Generation I, internal code HFE) is a compact crossover SUV introduced in 2015. Sharing the CMF-C/D platform with its corporate cousin, the highly successful Nissan Qashqai J11, the Kadjar was designed to capture the booming European C-SUV market. It received a mid-life facelift (Phase 2) in late 2018, which brought subtle exterior tweaks, a much-needed upgrade to interior material quality, and a complete overhaul of its petrol engine lineup. While the Kadjar is praised for its comfortable ride, spacious boot, and frugal diesel engines, its overall reliability reputation is heavily polarized. The early petrol engines (1.2 TCe) suffered from catastrophic design flaws, whereas the diesel lineup (dCi) and later petrols (1.3 TCe) proved to be highly dependable. As a used bu

✅ Strengths

Excellent fuel economy on 1.5 dCi and 1.6 dCi engines
Very comfortable ride quality and suspension tuning
Generous boot capacity (472 liters) and modularity
Outstanding reliability of the post-2018 1.3 TCe petrol engines
Strong value for money on the used market compared to the Peugeot 3008 or VW Tiguan

⚠️ Weaknesses

Catastrophic reliability of the 1.2 TCe petrol engine (oil consumption, engine failure)
Fragile AdBlue systems on 'Blue dCi' models (expensive tank/pump replacements)
R-Link 2 infotainment system is buggy, slow, and prone to black screens (especially pre-2018)
Interior plastic quality and fit/finish on Phase 1 (pre-facelift) models is subpar
Dry-clutch EDC6 automatic transmission can be jerky and wears out prematurely

🎯 Verdict

The Renault Kadjar is a vehicle of stark contrasts. If you are a high-mileage driver looking for a diesel, the older 1.5 dCi 110 and 1.6 dCi 130 are excellent, highly reliable choices, provided they are driven on highways to keep the DPF clean. The newer 'Blue dCi' engines are refined but carry a high risk of expensive AdBlue system failures. For petrol buyers, the post-facelift 1.3 TCe is a fantastic, reliable engine. However, the 1.2 TCe must be avoided at all costs due to terminal design flaws. When buying, favor manual gearboxes or the wet-clutch EDC7 over the dry-clutch EDC6, and aim for a post-2018 facelift model for better interior quality and updated infotainment.