IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 Renault Twingo Mk3

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2017 Renault Twingo Mk3. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

0.9 TCe Timing Chain Elongation and Hydraulic Tensioner Failure

SeriousEngine

The 0.9-litre 3-cylinder TCe 90 (H4Bt) uses a rear-mounted timing chain system. On urban-driven cars with extended oil service intervals, the timing chain can stretch and the hydraulic tensioner loses pressure. This produces a metallic rattling noise from the rear engine compartment on cold starts and light acceleration. If neglected, slack allows the chain to jump teeth, causing camshaft timing fault codes, misfires, or internal engine damage. Replacement requires substantial labour to access the compact rear engine bay.

Est. Repair Cost: £700–£1,600
Warning Signs:

Rattling or metallic slapping noise audible from the rear luggage area on cold start, Check Engine warning light accompanied by camshaft position sensor fault codes, Rough engine idle and hesitating throttle response during low-speed town driving, Oil level warning or burnt oil smell permeating the luggage compartment when hot

What to Inspect:
  • Unclip the boot carpet and unscrew the insulated metal inspection plate before cold starting the engine
  • Listen closely to the right-hand timing cover area for any metallic chatter when the engine first fires up
  • Check service records to ensure oil changes were conducted at least every 12 months regardless of low mileage
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Brake Shoe Binding and Handbrake Cable Seizure

ModerateBrakes

Due to the lightweight front-biased braking balance of small city cars, the rear drum brakes on the Twingo receive relatively low hydraulic line pressure during normal gentle urban driving. In the UK climate, moisture, road salt, and brake dust build up inside the drums, causing the mechanical shoe pivot points, self-adjusting ratchets, and handbrake operating cables to corrode and seize. This leads to dragging rear brakes, accelerated shoe lining wear, excessive handbrake lever travel, and significant brake effort imbalance across the rear axle, making this one of the most frequent MOT failure items on UK Twingos.

Est. Repair Cost: £140–£320
Warning Signs:

Handbrake lever pulls up excessively high before holding the car securely, Noticeable drag or resistance when attempting to push or roll the car in neutral, Unusual heat and burnt friction material smell radiating from the rear wheels after a drive, MOT failure or advisory note for rear brake effort imbalance or parking brake efficiency below limits

What to Inspect:
  • Apply the handbrake on a gentle slope and confirm it locks firmly within 3 to 5 ratchet clicks
  • Touch the rear wheel drums after a 15-minute test drive to check whether one side is abnormally hot
  • Inspect previous MOT test certificates online for repeated warnings regarding rear braking performance
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Bonnet Catch Release Cable Sticking and Secondary Latch Wear

MinorBodywork & Rust

Because the engine is located at the rear, the front of the Twingo Mk3 houses a lightweight plastic service bonnet that slides forward rather than lifting on conventional hinges. To access washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and the 12V battery, the driver must unlock two key-operated release latches hidden in the front grille and disengage safety levers. Road grime, winter grit, and lack of lubrication cause the internal release cables, locking pins, and slider tracks to bind, stick, or snap their plastic retaining clips. In severe cases, the bonnet jams shut, preventing routine fluid top-ups, or fails to lock securely, presenting a hazard at highway speeds.

Est. Repair Cost: £90–£240
Warning Signs:

Front grille release levers feel stiff, jammed, or snap when attempting to open the bonnet, Front plastic bonnet refuses to slide forward on its guide rails or catches on its safety webbing, Difficulty pushing the bonnet back into position and engaging the locking pins securely, Bonnet vibrating or fluttering visibly at dual carriageway speeds due to misaligned latch pins

What to Inspect:
  • Insert the vehicle key into the front grille lock, turn to unlock, and slide the bonnet forward manually
  • Check that both fabric retaining straps are intact and inspect slider guide tracks for accumulated road dirt
  • Ensure the front panel clicks firmly into both left and right locking latches when pushed closed
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2017 Renault Twingo Mk3

  • Inspect the 0.9 TCe turbo engine from a cold start, lifting the boot carpet and metal access hatch to listen for timing chain rattle
  • Slide the front plastic service bonnet forward to ensure both grille release levers, locking cables, and safety straps operate freely
  • Test the handbrake and rear brakes on a slope, checking for seized rear drum shoes, high handbrake travel, or binding friction linings
  • Assess stability on dual carriageways during the test drive, as the light front end and tall sides make the car sensitive to motorway crosswinds
  • Examine maintenance records to confirm oil services were performed annually, as cramped rear engine packaging demands clean oil to prevent sludging
Check a 2017 Renault Twingo Mk3 by Registration