Common Problems with the Renault Captur
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the Renault Captur and average repair costs.
Compare Renault Captur repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Monday January 12 2026
7 min read
Launched in 2013, the Renault Captur is a popular small SUV with a spacious cabin and large boot. It also has a range of efficient engine options, which is good news for drivers who want to save money at the fuel pump.
This guide examines known issues with the Captur, providing owners and potential buyers with insights into specific faults and their average repair costs.
In a nutshell: The Renault Captur is a popular small SUV, but common issues include electrical/infotainment glitches (often behind dashboard warning lights), clutch and gearbox complaints (such as clutch judder or a hesitant/jerky automatic), plus occasional keyless entry and stop-start/battery faults. Overall reliability is reasonable but not class-leading.
What’s wrong with the Renault Captur?
Drivers are searching online for information about the following problems.
Renault Captur check injection system
Some drivers have been confused by the ‘check injection system’ warning light appearing on the Captur's dashboard. Although the most obvious cause is a problem with the injection system, this isn’t always the case. The light can come on to indicate various issues, including faulty wiring.
When this happens, the best thing to do is to book a diagnostic test to find out what has triggered the warning light.
Average diagnostic test price: £61.85
Renault Captur automatic gearbox problems
The gearbox in automatic Captur models can be jerky and slow to respond. In some cases, this is unfortunately normal and not due to a fault. You should have your car checked if you’ve noticed any of the following symptoms:
Low or leaking transmission fluid
Slipping gears
Find out whether automatic cars have a clutch.
Average automatic gearbox repair price: £562.22
Renault Captur clutch problems
Clutch judder can develop in some Captur models, with the clutch pedal not returning after it has been pressed. A leak in the master cylinder often causes these symptoms.
Average clutch repair price: £533.56
This guide explains how to tell if you need a new clutch for your car.
Renault Captur engine problems
While the Renault Captur doesn’t have a widespread reputation for engine failures, there are some reports of issues, including engine management warnings, temporary power loss or limp mode, and occasional stalls. These problems are typically traced back to faulty sensors, wiring, or ECU faults. A few older petrol engines have also drawn occasional comments about higher-than-expected oil consumption or timing chain/chain tensioner noise at higher miles, but these are not common across the model range.
Renault Captur 1.5 dCi problems
Renault’s 1.5 dCi itself doesn’t have a history of catastrophic engine faults in the Captur. However, like many modern diesels, DPF and emissions-system issues are the most common service-related concerns when used primarily for short trips. A small number of owners on forums also mention irregular warning lights and messages (e.g., “Check Anti-Pollution,” engine warnings) on dCi examples, which in many cases turn out to be electrical, sensor or battery-related issues.
Recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2025/377 | 09.09.25 | For certain vehicles a concern involving the electric traction reducer parking brake mechanism actuator or gearbox engagement actuator within the transmission may result in the parking brake mechanism actuator no longer correctly positioning the locking pawl in the P lock. |
| R/2020/003 | 14.01.20 | The left hand seatbelt fixing bolt may not have been set to the correct torque. |
| R/2018/324 | 04.12.18 | Incorrect welding of the catalytic convertor. |
| R/2018/094 | 03.04.18 | Headlight (dipped beam) may not adjust correctly when switched on and therefore not light the road ahead sufficiently. |
| R/2018/077 | 20.03.18 | The front wheel hub may suffer cracking. Drivers may notice abnormal noise and in extreme cases the hub may fail. |
| R/2015/067 | 21.04.15 | It is possible that the front wheel liners have been incorrectly positioned giving potential for them to rub against the front brake hoses. This in turn could in rare circumstances cause increased brake pedal travel and affect the braking efficiency of the vehicle. This issue may be highlighted by a warning message Braking system fault and a warning light on the dashboard. |
Renault Captur 2013-2019 problems
Although the first-generation Captur is just as spacious and practical as its successor, reliability isn’t one of its strengths.
1. Electrical issues
Electrical niggles are frequently mentioned by owners. These include faults with the infotainment system (e.g., DAB/radio not working), air-conditioning controls, and occasional dashboard warning lights or erratic sensor behaviour.
What repair is needed for electrical issues, and how much does it cost?
A diagnostic test (£61.85 on average) will identify the fault. Repairs vary by component. Simple fixes like replacing a faulty control module or wiring can run £100-£300+, while more complex electronic units cost more.
2. Gearbox and clutch problems
Gearbox and clutch complaints are repeatedly reported by Captur owners. Some drivers experience clutch judder or clutch pedal not returning properly, especially in heavy traffic, and automatic EDC gearbox versions can be jerky or slow to respond.
What repair is needed for gearbox and clutch problems, and how much does it cost?
Clutch replacement: £680.75
Automatic gearbox repair: £562.22
3. Keyless entry faults
Problems with the Renault key card or keyless entry - such as the car not detecting the key card or intermittent failure to lock/unlock - crop up in owner reports and forums.
What repair is needed for keyless entry faults, and how much does it cost?
Replacing a faulty key card typically costs £160-£250 plus fitting, while repairing or replacing the card reader/antenna can add another £80-£180.
4. Interior trim & rattling noises
Rattles and buzzes from dashboard and interior trim are common, particularly on older or higher-mile cars, often due to panel fitment.
What repair is needed for interior trim & rattling noises, and how much does it cost?
Usually refitting or securing trim panels costs £50-£150. If replacement pieces are needed, expect £100-£300, depending on parts.
5. Stop-start and battery issues
Stop-start system behaviour and battery complaints appear across first-generation Captur reports. Problems range from the system not working correctly to battery drain issues that affect overall electrical performance.
What repair is needed for stop-start and battery issues, and how much does it cost?
Often a battery replacement (£247.33 on average) and reset will restore performance. If the stop-start control module or sensors are at fault, diagnostics followed by part/service replacement can be £150-£400+.
Renault Captur 2020-present problems
The second-generation Captur is still relatively new, with limited data on reliability.
1. Electrical and infotainment glitches
Electrical issues are the most common theme in owner-reported problems. These include faulty infotainment systems, dashboard warning lights and keyless entry faults, where the car may fail to lock/unlock or display false warnings.
What repair is needed for electrical and infotainment glitches, and how much does it cost?
A diagnostic test is usually the first step. Fixes vary - wiring or control-module repairs often cost £100-£300+, while infotainment unit replacement can be higher.
2. Jerky/hesitant automatic gearbox
Some automatic Captur owners report gearbox quirks, particularly with dual-clutch-style transmissions that can feel hesitant, jerky or slow to engage at low speeds.
What repair is needed for a jerky/hesitant automatic gearbox, and how much does it cost?
A software update/gearbox reset is often tried first (low-cost), but persistent problems can need more involved work. The average price of an auto gearbox repair on FixMyCar is £562.22.
3. Engine management light
There are occasional owner reports of engine management lights, power loss or stalling in petrol cars.
What repair is needed for the engine management light, and how much does it cost?
This typically requires a thorough diagnostic scan (£61.85) to isolate the issue (e.g., sensor, wiring, ECU update). Costs vary widely depending on the fault found.
Is the Renault Captur reliable?
In the 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, the latest Captur came in joint 29th place out of 38 in the small SUV class, with a score of 91.7%. A previous survey saw the 2013-2019 model earn a somewhat more impressive score of 95.9%, putting it in 11th place out of 22 cars in the small SUV class.
Overall, the Renault Captur's reliability is reasonable but not class-leading.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
- Related topics:
- Common Problems
- Renault
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.