Common Renault Problems

Renault’s sharp-looking replacement for the Kadjar. It uses a sophisticated Google-based infotainment system and a complex E-Tech hybrid powertrain. While refined, early cars have been plagued by software bugs and occasional hybrid system errors.

The second Captur is one of the most sensible small SUVs in the UK market, with a much better cabin and more mature road manners than the old car. Like the Clio Mk5 it is generally decent, but EDC calibration, infotainment bugs and 1.3 TCe cooling niggles are worth catching early.

The latest Clio is a much more grown-up small car and one of Renault’s best modern efforts, but it is still worth buying by powertrain rather than by trim. Manual 1.0 TCe cars are the safe mainstream choice, while 1.3 TCe and EDC cars deserve a more careful check.

The fourth Megane is a stylish and underrated family hatch or estate, and it generally feels more resolved than older Renaults. The main buying divide is between straightforward manual petrol cars and the more complicated EDC or late diesel emissions setups.

A roomy, underrated family SUV, but the mechanical story depends heavily on engine choice. Early 1.2 TCe and EDC combinations are the main reason cautious buyers prefer later 1.3 TCe or well-kept diesels.

The Zoe is the UK’s most common used EV. It is generally reliable, but its weight is hard on suspension, and its reliability depends heavily on the health of its 12V battery and charging hardware. Earlier "Battery Hire" models require a monthly lease, while later models (ZE50) usually have owned batteries.

Based on the Clio Mk4, the first Captur is practical and popular, but it shares the same warning flags: EDC automatics need care and the 1.2 TCe is the engine to be most cautious about.

A much more stylish Clio with more technology and a nicer cabin, but this is the generation where engine and gearbox choice really matters. EDC automatics and 1.2 TCe petrols deserve far more scrutiny than simple manual 0.9 TCe or diesel cars with proper history.

The Mk3 Scenic is a noticeably better bet than the Mk2, with a stronger cabin and fewer truly silly electrical dramas. It is still not carefree though: electronic parking-brake faults, heater-blower issues, diesel emissions trouble and suspension wear remain the main used-buying themes.

A big step forward in reliability over the Mk2 and often a good-value family car. Even so, buyers still need to watch for electronic parking-brake issues, heater faults and tired diesels or suspension.

A comfortable and safe small car for its time. More solid than the Mk2, but still best bought with close attention to electrical functions, front springs and water ingress rather than blindly trusting the badge.

The Mk2 Scenic is a practical family MPV, but it sits squarely in Renault’s flaky-electrics era. Buy on condition and electrical health rather than trim because key-card issues, electronic handbrake faults and tired front suspension can easily outweigh the low asking price.

Famously quirky and much better than its reputation in some areas, but only if you avoid the electrical basket cases. Key cards, windows, steering locks and diesel maintenance are where most expensive frustration lives.

Still a common cheap first car. The engines are mostly durable enough, but electrical niggles, front springs and tired interior hardware make condition and MOT history more important than mileage alone.

Late Mk1 Clios are now old-school cheap classics more than daily commuters. Rust, ignition faults and tired front suspension are far more important than trim level or performance badge.