2002 Renault Laguna Priveledge Sport from UK and Ireland - Comments

8th Dec 2003, 09:47

"Great car, but worried about gearbox failures"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Initial problem with Sat.Nav.from new. Sorted by dealer.

Tyre sensors operate when cold. Dealer reset the parameters. I still get the occasional tyre warning which I leave until the tyre warms up.

Car currently off the road for two weeks whilst the dealer investigates what appeared to be a low moan from the front o/s wheel when turning right. Also a slight noise on a left turn. Dealer checked bearing, drive shaft and brake and eventually decided it was the differential on the gearbox. Replaced gearbox for £2000. There was still a noise so I await their findings.

General comments?

The dealer appears to be frank about Renault's practice of putting out new models for the owners to find faults. Amazed to hear that there is an apparent fault on the gearboxes as differentials eventually give way, grating on the box mainly due to the fact that "Renault have increased the power/torque of engines without the necessary improvement in gearboxes".

When I asked why not a general recall, was told that they prefer to replace with what I hope is an uprated gearbox, otherwise I will be out of warranty by the time the next one goes.

"Is there a problem on the number of gearboxes failing?" "Yes".

Dealers appear to be left with the problem of sorting out Renault's problems without an adequate data bank of faults from Renault. e.g. no information or help on what my problem is.

Dealer is left with transferring parts from a model one of the salesmen has on a try and test basis.

I am satisfied with the dealer, but amazed that there is no national data bank of faults.

The Laguna is the most comfortable drive I have had and has performed well up to now. Returns 38mpg towing a caravan.

Had a gearbox problem with an N Reg. Laguna at 70,000. The only problem I had.


11th Aug 2004, 18:22

I have a 2002 1.9dCi. Fortunately for me it is a company car because it has suffered many faults. Current mileage is 66,000. The problems that I have experienced are as follows:

1) Engine management light comes on with limp home mode, stopping the car and restarting usually fixed this. (This has been fixed by replacing the glow plugs, 3 of which were faulty)

2) Starter motor spins noisily without actually turning the engine. (Has only done this once since above repair)

3) Tyre pressure monitors... say no more! Apparently Peugeot use an identical system, but theirs works!

4) Gearbox (6 speed manual) failed at 34,000 miles, replaced under warranty. The differential collapsed, pushing a drive shaft out which also damaged a brake disc & brake caliper. That explains why the ABS light came on and the brake pedal fell to the floor when the gearbox failed! The new gearbox has now completed 32,000 miles and is starting to whine in 3rd, 4th & 5th gears. Dealer says there is nothing wrong with the gearbox...

5) Clutch pedal developed a mind of its' own by constantly changing the bite point, usually while stationary in gear waiting to pull away. Eventually clutch pedal goes flat to the floor, just got car back having had the clutch master cylinder replaced.

6) Intercooler cracked (air side, not coolant side) causing a loss of power, it was replaced under warranty.

7) Keycard failed, replaced under warranty.

8) Alloy wheels buckled on inside, these wheels do not like potholes! Also, two different tyre dealers have commented that the wheels (undamaged ones) appeared to be 'oval'. This was observed when balancing them, this doesn't appear to affect the car at all.

Finally, although I have experienced some really inconvenient breakdowns, some irritating minor faults and some poor dealer service, I like the car a lot. I chose it for its' low CO emissions (= low BIK tax), its' power (3.0 V6 equaling torque + 50 + mpg can't be bad), it's generous equipment (equivalent spec Mondeo was £2K dearer) and it is a handsome and safe car. I like the way it handles and its' space and comfort. One thing about frequent visits to the garage is that I have had plenty of opportunity to drive other cars. I must say that I always enjoy getting back into my Laguna.


23rd Oct 2004, 16:02

Renault do "know" about the faults, but do nothing until your vehicle fails. If it does not, they get away with it. I am waitng for a "known" fault to happen after the warranty expires, then it will be time for a threat of legal action. Compare the attitude for recalls in the USA (NHTSA.gov) with that in Europe.

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