Overview and Common Failures
The body is galvanized, so it does not rust. However, corrosion quickly covers the exhaust system and corrodes the spare tire mounting bolt. The paint coating is thin and prone to chipping. There are also many complaints on Renault forums about water getting into the doors or rear lights.
The interior is quite budget-friendly in terms of materials and is frustrating due to ergonomic miscalculations. The sound insulation is very weak, and the limited electrical system is not known for its reliability. The steering column switch and driver's door lock often break down.
The 1.4-liter K7J and 1.6-liter K7M and K4M gasoline engines belong to the same series. These generally reliable engines have regular minor issues: weak electrical systems, frequent lubricant and coolant leaks, and valve bending when the belt breaks. Separate articles have been written about the European 1.2-liter D4F engine and the 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine.
The 5-speed JH1 and JH3 manual transmissions with a lever gear selection mechanism are reliable. They often only have leaks through the dust cover of the left drive CV joint. The 4-speed DP2 automatic transmission has earned a bad reputation; please read a separate article about it.
The suspension of this hatchback is known for its high energy consumption and affordable spare parts. Before reaching 100,000 km, front control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, and front shocks may require replacement. The steering rack is reliable, but the rear drum brakes require regular cleaning.
