2003 Renault Megane Hatchback (Authentique) 1.5 DCI from Malta

Summary:

I give my Renault Megane top marks for economy, safety and looks, but zero marks for workmanship

Faults:

1. Electric window winder (driver's side) malfunction after 13 months.

2. Gearbox transmission malfunction after 14 months (8000 km)

3. Electrical malfunction after 15 months (battery short-circuited)

4. Leaking engine compression after 22 months (16,000 km)

5. Windshield shattered when hit by small stone whilst driving (18,000 km)

6. Handbrake plastic handle broken and handbrake cannot be engaged. To change the plastic cover I have to replace the whole handbrake mechanism (2 years, 19,000 km).

7. Air-conditioner water drained into both floor storage compartments (2 years, 19,000 km)

General Comments:

1. In just one year of Renault ownership I have experienced more problems than I have had in over 40 years of owning other cars (6 different models of Volkswagen,Toyota, Alfa Romeo and Fiat)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th July, 2005

20th Jun 2006, 17:52

I own a Megane 1.4 16v Authentique. It appears to have had 5 owners prior to me, and FORTY SEVEN warranty claims since Jan 2003, and yes it is still faulty.

4th Jan 2007, 11:18

1. Handbrake plastic handle broken and handbrake cannot be engaged - I have the exact same problem, was quoted £250 to get the problem fixed!!!

View 14 more comments

2003 Renault Megane Authentique 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant, but very unreliable

Faults:

The engine management light comes on & there is a loss of power, this fault can occur at any time, not just on start-up. At the same time the engine sounds off-key & runs lumpy. If the engine is switched off & then re-started the engine can run OK. The loss of power is dangerous particularly if entering a round-about or trying to exit a junction. As at 020505, this vehicle has been returned to the main dealer for rectification on numerous occasions, it has had two sets of injector coils, a new set of plugs & a new throttle box. It is still faulting out. I have contacted Renault customer Services & basically they cannot solve this problem any better than the local dealer. I cannot believe that a company like Renault can walk away from this problem. Has any other Renault driver experienced this problem?

General Comments:

This fault is dangerous.

Renaults attitude is unbelievable.

The car design is brilliant.

I would have another Megane if this problem could be cured.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd May, 2005

30th May 2005, 05:11

I am having the exact same problem with my wifes 1997 Megane. So far two different Renault garages have not managed to find the fault. Did you ever get it sorted?

23rd Jun 2005, 13:42

I have a Megane Scenic that has the same problem as your one, but engine management light does not come on, local garage fitted new coils, but problem still persists, this is dangerous when overtaking,suddenly power fades and overtaking becomes a nightmare.

12th Jan 2006, 07:17

I have the same problem it is now only running on 2 cylinders rather than 4, has no power and always cuts out and revs up. the garages have fitted a new lambda sensor, but has not solved are now looking at changing the ECU unit, but this will be very costly - of all the expert opinions no one has been able to solve this problem. I am now worried about forking out lots of money for a new ecu if this will still not solve the problem.

18th Feb 2006, 17:06

I have a 2000 Megan, well I think its 2000 X Reg anyway, I had a similar problem and apparently there are many versions of the coils which cause this problem, the Grey topped Coil Packs seem to be OK, it's a problem with the older versions.

At least that is what fixed mine.

29th Mar 2011, 14:42

I own an 02 plate Authentique, and I have had problem after problem. Two sets of brake discs and pads in 2 years, resulted in 2 new calipers.

Also the losing power, I had a major headache with. They even replaced parts of the exhaust because they couldn't find the fault.

And to end my rant about Meganes, I just had the gearbox and engine mounts replaced, also the strut mounts, and now the engine has started screaming, so I suspect a water pump possibly or a belt. It's just costing a fortune, and Renault don't care about their cars having such major problems.