The Renault K9K 826 is a 1,461 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), common rail direct injection, and a fixed‑geometry turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 50 kW (68 PS), prioritizing fuel economy and low running costs for entry-level urban vehicles.
Fitted primarily to the Twingo III and Clio IV, the K9K 826 was engineered as an economical powertrain for city driving. Emissions compliance for Euro 5 standards was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), making it suitable for markets with stricter environmental regulations during its production run.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump, leading to no-start conditions. This issue, referenced in Renault Service Information Bulletin MEC‑12‑008, is often linked to fuel contamination or extended service intervals. The pump design was revised in mid-2015 to improve durability.
All production years (2012–2018) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Renault K9K 826 is a 1,461 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for supermini vehicles (2012-2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver adequate low‑end torque for urban mobility while maximizing fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it focuses on cost-effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,461 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 50 kW (68 PS) | |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Denso common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo provides sufficient torque for city driving but is susceptible to high-pressure fuel pump failures if fuel quality is poor or service intervals are extended. Using Renault RN0700 (5W-30) oil is critical. Vehicles should use EN 590 ultra-low sulfur diesel to protect the Denso fuel system. The DPF requires periodic highway driving for successful regeneration; ignoring warning lights can lead to expensive filter replacement. Post-2015 models feature a revised, more durable fuel pump per SIB MEC-12-008.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (5W-30) specification (Renault SIB MEC-12-008). Compatible with ACEA C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2012-2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across model range (Renault TIS Doc. K9K-009).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs K9K-007, K9K-008, K9K-009, SIB MEC-12-008
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault K9K 826 was used across Renault's B/C platform vehicles with transverse mounting. This engine received minor ECU mapping adaptations for the Twingo III versus the Clio IV, creating software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface at the front of the cylinder block, near the gearbox flange (Renault TIS K9K-006). The 8th VIN digit typically corresponds to the engine code ('8' for K9K 826). All models feature a DPF sensor on the exhaust and specific ECU part numbers (e.g., 8200987655). Critical differentiation from other K9K variants: The K9K 826 has a unique 68 PS power rating and a specific fuel pump part number. Pre-2015 and post-2015 fuel pumps are not interchangeable.
The K9K 826's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using poor-quality fuel or exceeding service intervals. Renault internal data indicates a correlation between pump failures and neglected maintenance, while UK DVSA records show DPF-related faults are common in vehicles without regular highway use. Adherence to the RN0700 oil specification and using EN 590 diesel are critical mitigation factors.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2012-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT K9K-826.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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