1996 Renault Megane RXE from UK and Ireland - Comments

Fuel line sensor blown 52000 miles.

Catalytic converter failed 76000 miles.

Cylinder head gasket failed at 75000 miles.

Exhaust and engine valve replaced 70000 miles.

Engine completely destroyed 83000 miles.

Although the car is quite nicely made and comfortable, the litany of (expensive) engine faults mean that I could not recommend anyone to buy one.

The performance of the engine was fine initially and, although not exciting, the cars performance was adequate.

After problems with the exhaust and engine inlet valves, the engine was beset with problems culminating in a cylinder head gasket failure costing about £800 to replace.

About six months later the engine appeared to completely destroy itself by somehow contriving to force oil through the cylinder head, through the cooling system and onto the engine. Result: One dead engine and a decision to scrap this waste of metal.

Avoid.

HI.

I have a Renault Megane Scenic R Reg Diesel. In August 2002 I broke down on the M4 On the way to LOndon with 4 children in the car. The cam belt had gone and completely ruined the engine. This incurred a £2000 repair. Even though the car had been serviced regularly by a Renault dealership.

My car has gone in for its MOT today and guess what? The cam belt is going yet againm. I have been advised not to use my car until its replaced.

THis is an inherrent problem with certain Renault Engines. They recalled half a million cars in Europe, but are not inclined to do the same in the UK. When I asked if they were aware of any inherent faults they said no. However, they were aware, but refused point blank to do anything about it.

MY ADVICE STEER WELL CLEAR OF ANY RENAULT>

We have a Renault Megane Scenic S Reg which we have recently had serviced and this cost £500 plus. We also had to have a new catalytic converter which was also expensive. The reason we had this was a) it was on the way out anyway and b) we thought it might solve the problem we're having at the moment that the car glows bright red underneath it and is running very slowly as if we are driving it in the wrong gear and also stalling regularly. We then took it to a Renault dealer who charged us £436.00 odd for a new something to do with the fuel line and we were informed that this might not fix the problem anyway. It didn't. The next part will cost us £700 plus VAT which still may not fix the problem! Obviously the car is not worth all this expense. Has anybody else had this problem (stalling and running slowly and "glowing"?) Any ideas? Thanks.

My 1996 1.6 RT Megane what a lovely pile of scrap metal, it looks good as an ornament in the front garden. I never did like gnomes.

The Problems:

1. PROBLEM: Revving high and engine cutting out at lights (Shortly after Purchase)

THE SUPPOSED FIX: Garage repaired by replacing Idle valve (Renault Specialist).

2. PROBLEM: Revving High and engine cutting out at lights. (A few weeks later).

THE SUPPOSED FIX: Same garage repaired by cleaning throttle body and Idle valve (Renault Specialist).

3. PROBLEM: Revving High and engine cutting out at lights. (A few months later).

THE SUPPOSED FIX: New garage repaired by cleaning throttle body and Idle valve (Renault Specialist).

4. PROBLEM: Revving High and engine cutting out at lights. (A few weeks later).

THE SUPPOSED FIX: Same garage repaired by cleaning throttle body and Idle valve (Renault Specialist).

5. PROBLEM: Revving High and engine cutting out at lights. (A few months later).

THE SUPPOSED FIX: ANOTHER GARAGE repaired by replacing vacuum pipes (Renault Specialist).

Now I'm beginning to get somewhat upset!!!

6. PROBLEM: Revving High and engine cutting out at lights. (A few months later).

THE SUPPOSED FIX: RENAULT DEALER repaired by replacing ECU.

7. PROBLEM: Revving High and engine cutting out at lights. (A few weeks later).

THE SUPPOSED FIX: RENAULT DEALER Replaced modules???

GUESS WHAT.

Back to a new garage and another and 2 home man in a van mechanics 4 different friends who are mechanics, back to Renault dealer and to 2 more local Renault specialists.

There is more.

Two new remote keys, one remote key receiver.

Then A head gasket and then another.

A water pump.

7 New exhausts across 4 different Exhaust fitters/companies and 25+ visits to have the exhausts refitted as they kept falling off.

2 New Thermostats.

A Fire in the foot well caused by wiring connectors. (Now repaired).

Complete electrical failure faulty wiring Loom. (Now repaired).

And Finally 5 years on it still has the same problem.

PROBLEM: Revving High and engine cutting out at lights and now with the addition of a loud rattle coming from the engine.

So the car is now an ornament in the garden, being a gentle reminder for me to NOT BUY ANOTHER RENAULT!!!

Can I use a cat off a 1.6 on a 1996 RENAULT MEGANE COUPE 2.0.