Distribution problems do not only concern Stellantis engines. Renault also faces chain concerns on several declensions of petrol engines.
When choosing a used car, it is better to be vigilant at the moment. There is of course the maintenance book to scrutinize, the external state of the vehicle but also simply its mechanics and its reputation. The case of the Stellantis group is starting to be known.
The firm, which brings together Citroën, DS or even Peugeot, fights in front of the bad brand image born from the problems known by its Puretech petrol engine, however awarded in 2015 with the title of best engine in the world. Since then, the problems going as far as the engine has succeeded, originally with a problem on the very design of the engine and a critical part, the distribution belt.
But Stellantis is not the only touched giant! Renault also deplores distribution chain problems on some of its petrol blocks. The engines concerned are 0.9 TCE, 1.0 TCE and 1.2 TCE mounted on Renault and Dacia models. The common point between these engines is the premature lengthening of the distribution chain. By stretching, it comes to scrape the distribution housing, generating a characteristic noise in the engine compartment. A “scraping” which must alert the owners, according to the L’Argus magazine which conducted the investigation.
According to an internal technical note from Renault consulted by the Argus, this phenomenon is explained either by “the blocking of the tensioner’s rack”, or by “the friction and/or lengthening of the distribution chain”. The resulting housing wear can even lead to the presence of metallic filter in the oil filter, or even an engine breakage in the most extreme cases.
There are many models according to the magazine since they bring together Dacia and Renault cars. At Dacia, this is the case of the Sandero 2 and Logan 0.9 TCE/1.0 SCE (models from 02/27/2014 to 12/04/2018), from the Dacia Dokker 1.2 TCE (from 05/07/2012 to 12/04/2018), from the SUV DUSTER 1 1.2 TCE (from 03/22/2013 to 12/04/2018) but also Duster 2 1.0 TCE/1.2 TCE (from 03/28/2017 to 12/04/2018) and finally Dacia Lodgy 1.0 TCE/1.2 TCE (from 20/02/2012 to 12/04/2018).
At Renault, the potentially concerned models are also numerous, from the small city car to the SUV. Let us quote the Twingo 3 0.9 TCE/1.0 SCE (produced from 01/09/2014 to 12/04/2018), the Renault Clio 4 0.9 TCE/1.2 TCE (from 01/01/2012 to 12/04/2018), the Renault Captur 1 0.9 TCE/1.2 TCE (from 02/07/2012 04/12/2018), the Renault Mégane 4 1.0 TCE/1.2 TCE (from 05/22/2015 to 12/04/2018), the Renault Scénic 4 1.2 TCE (from 01/10/2015 to 01/12/2017), Renault Kadjar 1.2 TCE (from 07/10/2014 to 12/04/2018) and finally The Renault Kangoo 2 1.2 TCE utility (from 07/16/2012 to 12/04/2018).
Renault already recommends in the event of a problem the replacement of the entire distribution system. However, this repair can be long and costly. Better, therefore have a fine ear to watch for the problem as quickly as possible but also be vigilant if you head to the second -hand market!