Renault recalls 30,000 cars in France over engine failure risk
How to check if your vehicle is affected
The recall affects 25,296 Austral E-Tech hybrid models
Dmitry Rukhlenko/Shutterstock
French vehicle manufacturer Renault is recalling 30,000 vehicles in France after it identified a risk of engine failure.
The recall, which has the campaign code 0EWA, affects 25,296 Austral E-Tech hybrid models, and 6,992 Espace 6 1.2 hybrid models, all of which were manufactured between June 6, 2022 and December 20, 2024.
The vehicles are at risk of mechanical problems including engine failure, Renault has confirmed, reports specialist vehicle website L’Automobile.
What are the possible risks?
Renault said that reported problems include:
“The presence of a noticeable petrol smell in the passenger compartment”
“A rise in the oil level in the engine”
“Oil consumption accompanied by the message ‘oil level needs adjusting’ ”.
It added: “If the warning signs are ignored, there is a risk that the engine could seize up [fail] in the long term.”
What if my car could be affected?
If you own a hybrid Austral or Espace 6 that was manufactured between June 6, 2022 and December 20, 2024, you may be affected.
Renault has been contacting owners who bought the vehicles new, by email, post, and telephone. However, even if you have not received a notice, you may still be affected.
You can check your vehicle by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the Renault Group France website here.
You are advised to take your vehicle to the nearest Renault garage to have it checked for the issues, and - if applicable - have the repairs carried out. The repairs will be free of charge if your vehicle qualifies for the recall. Repairs should take between 30-90 minutes (once the replacement part is available).
Renault states that the oil vapour hose (which prevents pressure build up in engine oil) will need replacing, and the control unit that manages the hybrid system (HEVC) may need reprogramming.
The news comes after Renault issued a recall late last year in France - this time due to reports of a faulty automatic handbrake in six models. The group also last week confirmed that it plans to switch to electric- and hybrid-only sales of new vehicles in France by 2030.
