Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi reliability: crossover checks
Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi reliability: engine, EDC gearbox, AdBlue and suspension checks and how the Kadjar compares with the Qashqai.
· 7 min read
Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi reliability is good: the Kadjar (2015–2022) uses the mature K9K diesel, which is economical and durable with correct servicing. The checks that matter are injectors, EGR and DPF, the timing belt, the EDC automatic, AdBlue on 2018-and-later Blue dCi cars and suspension wear. The Kadjar is the Nissan Qashqai's twin and usually sells for a little less.
The Kadjar and its engines
The Kadjar was Renault's compact crossover from 2015 to 2022, built in Palencia, Spain, on the same platform as the second-generation Nissan Qashqai. It was replaced by the Austral. Engines changed with the 2018 facelift, which matters when you choose stock.
| Period | Diesel | Petrol | 4x4 | Automatic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2018 | 1.5 dCi 110, 1.6 dCi 130 | 1.2 TCe 130 | 1.6 dCi 130 only | EDC with dCi 110 and TCe 130 |
| 2018–2022 | 1.5 Blue dCi 115, 1.7 Blue dCi 150 | 1.3 TCe 140 and 160 | Blue dCi 150 | EDC on several versions |
Most used Kadjars are front-wheel-drive 1.5 dCi or Blue dCi 115 cars, many from fleets and leasing. The 4x4 is rare and worth more to buyers in mountain regions.
Is the Kadjar 1.5 dCi reliable?
Yes. The Kadjar 1.5 dCi is a reliable crossover, because by 2015 the K9K had long since overcome the bearing problems of its early years. Typical engine items are the same as in other Renaults and Dacias with this engine:
- Injectors: rough running and smoke at high mileage.
- EGR valve: loss of power and limp mode, more common on town cars.
- DPF: clogging from short trips or the wrong oil.
- Timing belt and water pump: must be replaced at the scheduled interval; ask for proof.
- Turbo: usually reliable if oil changes were done on time.
On 2018–2021 Blue dCi engines, two further points apply. The SCR system needs AdBlue, and its pump, heater and NOx sensors can fail with age; see our guide to AdBlue faults on used diesels. In addition, according to L'argus, some 1.5 Blue dCi engines built between September 2018 and October 2021 could use too much oil, which Renault fixes with an engine software update on request. Ask whether it was done.
For the full engine background, read our guide to Renault 1.5 dCi engine reliability.
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Request accessGearbox, petrol engine and other weak points
Beyond the diesel itself, three areas cause most comebacks on used Kadjars.
EDC dual-clutch automatic. Judder when pulling away, jerky low-speed shifts and gearbox warnings point to clutch wear or mechatronic faults. Test it from cold in slow traffic and read the fault memory.
1.2 TCe petrol (2015–2018). If you buy petrol Kadjars, know that the 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) engine had a well-documented oil consumption problem on engines built from late 2012 to mid-2016, often linked to piston ring sealing. Check oil use and records carefully, or prefer the 1.3 TCe from 2018.
Suspension and electrics. Front suspension bushes, drop links and wheel bearings wear on heavy, high-mileage crossovers. R-Link infotainment freezes and sensor warnings are common irritations.
What should I check on a used Kadjar?
A used Kadjar check combines the diesel engine checks with gearbox, suspension and electrics. Use the same list for every car to compare lots fairly.
- Service history: oil changes, timing belt and water pump, EDC software or service where applicable.
- Cold start: knocking, rattles or smoke.
- Diagnostics: engine, EGR, DPF, AdBlue and gearbox faults.
- Test drive: pulling away in traffic (EDC), clutch bite and flywheel rattle (manual), steering and suspension knocks.
- 4x4 versions: engagement of the all-wheel-drive mode and no noises on tight turns.
- Interior and electronics: infotainment, cameras, parking sensors, air conditioning.
- Body: curb damage on wheels and lower bumpers, a common sign of urban use.
How does the Kadjar compare with the Qashqai?
The Kadjar and the second-generation Qashqai share their platform and many components, including the 1.5 dCi 110 and 1.6 dCi 130 diesels. Mechanically they are close; the differences are in design, interior and, above all, demand.
| Aspect | Renault Kadjar | Nissan Qashqai (J11) |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2015–2022 | 2014–2021 |
| Main diesel | 1.5 dCi 110 / Blue dCi 115 | 1.5 dCi 110 / 1.5 dCi 115 |
| Boot | Slightly larger | Slightly smaller |
| Supply on the used market | Smaller | Much larger |
| Brand perception in the segment | Weaker | Stronger; the segment pioneer |
According to listings tracked by MyCarDealer in eleven European countries in October 2026, 2016–2018 diesel Kadjars had a median asking price of €10,308 (403 listings, median 143,000 km), while diesel Qashqais of the same years were at €11,500 (370 listings, median 140,000 km). With similar mileage, the Qashqai asked about €1,200 more. Use that gap when you value a Kadjar: it is a cheaper route into the same mechanics, and buyers know it. Our Nissan Qashqai buying guide covers the twin in detail.
Does the Kadjar hold its value?
The Kadjar holds its value reasonably well for a mainstream crossover, though less well than the Qashqai. Facelifted cars from 2019 onwards are clearly more valuable than early ones.
| Kadjar version | Years | Listings | Median price | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 2016–2018 | 403 | €10,308 | 143,000 km |
| Diesel (Blue dCi) | 2019–2021 | 262 | €13,465 | 103,600 km |
| Petrol (1.3 TCe) | 2019–2021 | 449 | €13,995 | 86,900 km |
The facelifted diesel asked about €3,200 more than the earlier one, with 40,000 km less. The petrol 1.3 TCe asked slightly more than the diesel of the same years, with lower mileage, which shows that buyers do not pay a diesel premium on the Kadjar any more. A large share of diesel supply was listed in Italy, where demand for diesel crossovers remains stronger than in the Netherlands or Belgium.
Picking the Kadjar versions that sell
The Kadjar versions that sell best are manual 1.5 dCi or Blue dCi 115 cars with full history and petrol 1.3 TCe cars from 2019. They suit families who want a crossover for less than the price of a Qashqai.
- Buy: facelifted Blue dCi 115 manuals with service records; 1.3 TCe petrols with low mileage; 4x4 diesels for mountain markets.
- Buy carefully: EDC automatics without gearbox records; early 1.2 TCe petrols.
- Price: against other Kadjars of the same generation and engine, then check the Qashqai as a ceiling.
MyCarDealer's free valuation compares a car with others of the same model, generation, engine and year range in your country, which makes the Kadjar-versus-Qashqai gap visible for your own market.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kadjar 1.5 dCi reliable?
Yes. The Kadjar uses the mature 1.5 dCi, which is durable with correct servicing. Watch for injectors, EGR, DPF, the timing belt and, on Blue dCi cars from 2018, AdBlue faults and the oil consumption software update.
How does the Kadjar compare with the Qashqai?
They share a platform and diesel engines, so mechanically they are close. The Qashqai is more common and sells for more; in our October 2026 data, 2016–2018 diesel Qashqais asked about €1,200 more than Kadjars with similar mileage.
What should I check on a used Kadjar?
Check the service history including the timing belt, read engine, AdBlue and gearbox faults, test the EDC automatic from cold and inspect suspension, wheels and infotainment. On early petrol cars, check oil consumption.
Does the Kadjar hold its value?
Reasonably well. Facelifted 2019–2021 diesels asked a median of €13,465 in our data, about €3,200 more than 2016–2018 cars, and petrol versions now sell for as much as diesels.
Which Kadjar engine is best?
For high-mileage drivers, the 1.5 Blue dCi 115 with a manual gearbox. For lower-mileage private buyers, the 1.3 TCe petrol from 2018 is a good choice and avoids diesel emissions parts.