DEFECTIVE RENAULT ENGINES. The manufacturer Renault is exposed to a class action for engines deemed defective according to the lawyer of the plaintiff motorists. The engines concerned, petrol units, would equip more than 130,000 vehicles in France.
Will Renault have to respond in court to consumers wanting to know more about the problems encountered with their vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine of the French brand? Lawyer Christophe Lèguevaques held a press conference on Tuesday, January 11, announcing that he wanted to put in place a collective action (also known as “group action”) against the French manufacturer. Renault has already responded, citing according to Le Figaro that a “small part of the models” is affected by this problem, generated by “an excess consumption of oil”. The manufacturer even claims “total support” of the problems “if the customers have been scrupulous about the maintenance” of their vehicle.
On the web, however, there are many testimonials from dissatisfied customers. In 2019, UFC Que Choisir had already pointed out problems with the affected 1.2l TCE petrol engines. The lawyer Christophe Lèguevaques responds and accuses the French group today of knowing “the hidden defect of these engines and the dangerousness thus generated”, adding that he has however “carried out no systematic recall of the vehicles concerned in order to attempt to solve the problems “. Support can now be requested by customers: “90% of customers who have sent us requests have received total or partial support”, assures Renault, which adds that no global recall. was carried out because the engine “is not considered to be a safety element” (on the contrary, for example, brakes or airbags).
Which engines are affected by this problem?
Renault recognizes that 130,000 vehicles circulating in France and more than 400,000 around the world were fitted with this 1.2-liter TCe engine between 2012 and 2016. Several power levels exist on this engine, sold in particular under the names 1,2 TCE, 115, 120, 125 and 130 hp at Renault and 1.2 DIG-T 115 hp at Nissan or Citan 112 at Mercedes on the Citan MPV, cousin of the Kangoo.
What are the problems encountered?
Several customers have testified in recent days after the announcement of the launch of this group action against Renault. “” The engine light of my Clio IV came on, sudden loss of power and the car suddenly stopped on the highway “, quotes the lawyer. Interviewed by TF1, an owner of a Dacia Duster also recounts her mishap: “We were on the highway going on a family vacation. Suddenly, the Duster starts to decelerate completely. In less than a minute, we are Finds immobilized on the emergency lane The children who find themselves on the other side of the barrier, a great moment of stress for all of us…“Other customers also mention an engine failure.
Which Dacia models are affected?
At Dacia, this is the 1.2 TCE 115 and 125 horsepower engine. It fitted three models for sale until 2016:
- Dacia Dokker
- Dacia Duster 1
- Dacia Lodgy
Which Renault models are affected?
At Renault, this 1.2l TCE block was sold with power levels of 115, 120 and 130 hp on many models, ranging from the star of city cars, the 4th generation Clio to the more family-friendly Renault Kadjar SUV. The period runs from 2012 to 2016.
- Renault Captur
- Renault Clio 4
- Renault Kadjar
- Renault Kangoo 2
- Renault Megane 3
- Renault Scenic 3
Which Nissan models are affected?
Nissan also installed this engine and can be found under the name: 1.2 DIG-T 115 horsepower on three models of the range of the Japanese brand.
- Nissan juke
- Nissan qashqai
- Nissan pulsar