Renault Fluence problems (2009–2016)

We have documented 3 engines and 1 gearbox for the Renault Fluence; the 1.4 and 1.6 16v, the 1.5 dCi and the EDC gearbox have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 2.0 MR20DE / 2.5 QR25DE, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Fluence has no serious documented faults: there are two preventive recalls for badly tightened bolts (wheels, 2015 cars, and rear stub axle, February 2016) and, according to owner testimonies, deterioration of the steering wheel and seat trim, noisy door check straps and the odd car radio fault.

Among the 3 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, the safest option is the 2.0 MR20DE / 2.5 QR25DE, with a «Buy» verdict. Among the 39 testimonies for the Laguna III 2.0 140 on fiches-auto there is no engine failure, no chain, no catalytic converter and no oil consumption; only 3 about the ignition, and the two that specify the part mention coils. For the Mégane III and Scénic III there are too few testimonies to draw a conclusion.^[1]

Outside the engine, the Fluence has no serious documented faults: there are two preventive recalls for badly tightened bolts (wheels, 2015 cars, and rear stub axle, February 2016) and, according to owner testimonies, deterioration of the steering wheel and seat trim, noisy door check straps and the odd car radio fault. The most important documented faults are: wheel bolts under-tightened on cars built in 2015 (tyres and wheels, critical severity), rear axle stub axle bolt badly tightened on cars from February 2016 (suspension, critical severity), premature deterioration of the steering wheel trim, gear knob and seat (bodywork and interior, low severity) and broken or noisy door check straps (bodywork and interior, low severity).^[2][3][4]

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: premature timing belt failure (1.5 dCi, critical severity), ignition coil failure (1.4 and 1.6 16v, medium severity), timing belt breakage or premature failure (1.4 and 1.6 16v, high severity), premature turbo failure and intake hoses that come loose (1.5 dCi, high severity) and EDC gearbox overheating and safety neutral (EDC, high severity).

According to our rating by year, the best is 2009 (8.7/10); the worst rated is 2015 (5.8/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Yes: we have documented 2 campaigns for the Renault Fluence, such as alert A12/1664/16: rear axle stub axle bolt (2016). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.^[3]