Renault Twingo II (2007-2014): known problems and buying guide

Check the timing belt, the 1.5 dCi oil changes and the 2008 and 2010 recalls before you buy.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.2 LEV, 75 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€325	€3,500	361	Petrol	D4F J7	Manual (5)	2012–2014

Years: built 2007 to 2014. The seat recall covers 2008-09 builds and the valve recall covers 2010 builds.
Main risks: the timing belt on the 1.2 16V (D4F), where a break bends the valves, and the 1.5 dCi (K9K), where bearings, injectors and the high-pressure pump fail.
Recalls: ask a dealer to check the VIN for the driver seat recall and the 2010 valve wedge recall.
Reliability: 2/5, because oil loss and the 1.5 dCi faults are known.
DIY: 2/5, because a timing belt job takes a garage 3 to 4 hours.
Prefer: a car with records of oil changes and a timing belt change. Avoid: a 1.5 dCi with no oil change records.

1.2 8V petrol (D7F, 58-60 PS): no common fault confirmed.
1.2 16V petrol (D4F, 75 PS): timing belt break bends the valves, oil leaks, ignition coil and electrical faults. See Known issues.
1.2 TCe turbo petrol (D4FT, 100 PS): 2010 valve wedge recall. See Recalls.
1.6 16V RS petrol (K4M): no common fault confirmed.
1.5 dCi diesel (K9K): connecting-rod bearings, injectors, high-pressure pump and turbo. See Known issues.
Manual gearbox: no common fault confirmed.
Quickshift automated manual: no fault confirmed for the Twingo II.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Timing belt break bends valves	1.2 16V petrol (D4F)	Not stated	About 500-860 EUR for belt and water pump (Germany, 2021 quotes)
Valve wedge recall	1.2 16V (D4F) and TCe 100 (D4FT), built 17 Sep to 30 Nov 2010	Not stated	Not stated
Con-rod bearings	1.5 dCi diesel (K9K), older cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Injectors, turbo and high-pressure pump	1.5 dCi diesel (K9K)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Oil loss and leaks	Petrol and diesel; leaks on 1.2 16V (D4F)	High mileage, no figure given	No confirmed price
Throttle body	Twingo II; ADAC breakdown focus on 2013 cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Ignition coil and electrical faults	1.2 16V petrol (D4F)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Driver seat lock recall	Built September 2008 to February 2009	Not stated	Not stated

Ask for the timing belt change record on a 1.2 16V. No record means you cannot tell when the belt was last changed, and a break bends the valves.
Ask a Renault dealer to check the VIN for the 2010 valve wedge recall. An open recall means the fix is still due.
On a 1.5 dCi, ask for oil change records every 10,000 km or yearly. Long gaps between changes lead to bearing damage.
On a 1.5 dCi, ask whether the fuel system and high-pressure pump have been checked or replaced. A failed pump sends debris into the injectors. Bad result: a pump failure with no repair record.
Check the oil level and ask for top-up records. Bad result: the level is low between changes.
On a 1.2 16V, look for oil under the engine and at the rocker cover. Bad result: wet oil at the cover or at the seals.
Watch the revs after starting. Bad result: the revs climb on their own, or the engine warning light stays on.
On a 1.2 16V, ask a garage to scan the engine for electrical fault codes. Bad result: codes for the ignition coil or the camshaft sensor.
Move the driver seat through all positions and push it hard. Bad result: the seat slips or does not lock. Look for a sticker marked B5 in the engine bay; it marks a car with the recall fix done.

Operational	€154
Workshop	€85
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€86
Total per month	€325
New-car depreciation (not included)	€37

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

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