IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2021 Renault Captur (Gen 2)

In 2021, Renault added the popular E-Tech 145 full hybrid (self-charging) to the UK Captur range alongside a sporty R.S. Line trim, offering up to 56mpg without the need for home wallbox plug-in charging.

What changed for 2021

  • •Introduction of the E-Tech 145 self-charging full hybrid pairing a 1.6-litre engine with twin motors and a 1.2kWh battery
  • •Sporty R.S. Line trim launched with Formula One-inspired front aerodynamic blade, 18-inch alloys, and red interior accents
  • •Standardisation of lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking across UK specifications

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rear brake disc surface corrosion resulting from regenerative braking dominance in city driving
  • !Front suspension track rod end and lower ball joint wear from coping with added hybrid battery weight
  • !Stone-chip damage in the central windscreen sweep area directly obscuring the ADAS vision camera
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

EDC hesitation and clutch shudder

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The dual-clutch Captur can feel indecisive at low speed and occasionally shudder or jerk when moving off, especially if it has lived in urban traffic.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Jerky take-up, Delay engaging drive, Clunky parking manoeuvres

What to Inspect:
  • Test it in traffic and on hills
  • Reverse up a slope if possible
  • Look for software-update or clutch-work history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

1.3 TCe coolant housing leaks

ModerateCooling System

The 1.3 TCe is much less risky than the old 1.2, but plastic cooling parts can still leak and create creeping coolant loss on otherwise good cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£700
Warning Signs:

Coolant level falls between services, Sweet smell from engine bay, Low-coolant warning

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the coolant level cold
  • Look around the thermostat area for staining
  • Ask about previous coolant-system repairs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Easy Link, camera and keyless-entry glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Most Captur Gen 2 problems are software-scale annoyances rather than major failures, but freezing screens, camera dropouts and keyless glitches are common enough to test for properly.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£600
Warning Signs:

Screen freezes or reboots, Reversing camera does not appear, Keyless entry works intermittently

What to Inspect:
  • Cold-boot the infotainment system
  • Try every door handle if it has hands-free entry
  • Check for software-update history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2021 Renault Captur (Gen 2)

  • Confirm seamless switching between pure electric mode and the petrol engine during stop-start town driving
  • Test the 12V auxiliary battery voltage, as a weak battery triggers spurious hybrid fault warnings on the dashboard
  • Check the sliding rear bench slides and locks firmly across its full 16cm travel in both directions
20202022–2023
Check a 2021 Renault Captur (Gen 2) by Registration