DEFECTIVE RENAULT ENGINES. The Renault manufacturer exposes itself to a group action in court for engines deemed defective according to the lawyer for the plaintiff motorists. The engines concerned, gasoline units, would equip more than 130,000 vehicles in France.
Will Renault have to take legal action against consumers who want to know more about the problems encountered with their vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine from the French brand? Lawyer Christophe Lèguevaques held a press conference on Tuesday January 11, announcing that he wanted to set up a collective action (also called “group action”) in court against the French manufacturer. Renault has already responded, evoking according to Le Figaro that a “small part of the models” is affected by this problem, caused by “overconsumption of oil”. The manufacturer even claims “total support” for problems “if 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 1.2l TCE petrol engines concerned. Lawyer Christophe Lèguevaques responds and today accuses the French group of knowing “the hidden defect of these engines and the danger thus generated”, adding that he has not yet “proceeded with any systematic recall of the vehicles concerned in order to attempt to solve problems”. Support can now be requested by customers: “90% of customers who have sent us requests have benefited from total or partial support”, assures Renault, who adds that no global recall was carried out because the engine “is not considered a safety element” (on the contrary for example brakes or airbags).
Renault recognizes that 130,000 vehicles circulating in France and more than 400,000 worldwide were equipped 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 horsepower at Renault and 1.2 DIG-T 115 horsepower at Nissan or Citan 112 at Mercedes on the Citan MPV, cousin of the Kangoo.
Several customers have testified in recent days after the announcement of the launch of this class action against Renault. “”The engine light of my Clio IV came on, sudden loss of power and the car came to a sudden stop on the highway”, quotes the lawyer. Questioned by TF1, an owner of a Dacia Duster also says his misadventure: “We were on the highway going on a family vacation. Suddenly, the Duster begins to decelerate completely. In less than a minute, you find yourself immobilized on the hard shoulder. 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 engine failure.
At Dacia, it is the 1.2 TCE 115 and 125 horsepower engine. It fitted three models for sale until 2016:
At Renault, this 1.2l TCE block was sold with power levels of 115, 120 and 130 horsepower on many models, ranging from the star of the city cars, the 4th generation Clio to the more family SUV Renault Kadjar. The period runs from 2012 to 2016.
Also at Nissan, this engine has been installed and it can be found under the name: 1.2 DIG-T 115 horsepower on three models in the range of the Japanese brand.
