KNOWN FAULTS · Renault

Renault Mégane (IV) E-Tech Plug-in 160 common problems.

2016–2023 · Plug-in hybrid

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

Applies if: Only E-Tech built between 29/4/2020 and 13/4/2023.

“Onduflex” washer in the E-Tech hybrid gearboxGearbox

Engine / equipment: E-Tech hybrid and plug-in: Clio, Captur, Mégane and Arkana
Period mentioned: 2020–2023
Symptoms: “Stop” warning with the message “electrical fault, danger”, loss of drive and the car stranded.
Possible cause described: The “Onduflex” washer linking the main electric motor to the dog-clutch gearbox (which has no clutch) can break. Renault preventively reprogrammed over 150,000 cars in France built between 29/4/2020 and 13/4/2023.
Check for the garage: Ask Renault by VIN whether the reprogramming was done; with the warning, stop somewhere safe.
Cost cited in the source: Free reprogramming.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

1.2 TCe chain, EDC gearbox and campaigns on the Mégane IVKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Renault Mégane IV (petrol, diesel and E-Tech)
Period mentioned: 2016–2023
Symptoms: Chain noise on start-up on the 1.2 TCe (H5F); an EDC gearbox that overheats or jerks when pulling away (especially GT TCe 205); drop links; at the roadworthiness test, suspension and lights.
Possible cause described: The guide rates the 1.3 TCe as reliable. Recalls: GT clutch (1/11/2015–23/1/2017), particles in the oil-pressure valve of the R.S. M5P (1/12/2017–6/5/2019), R9N fuel line (8/11/2018–20/6/2019), curtain airbags and child lock (2016).
Check for the garage: Check the campaigns by VIN; change the EDC oil every 50,000–60,000 km; listen to the 1.2 TCe chain.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Built from 26/8/2019 to 2/2/2024; recall 0ET1 for those built from 5/4/2019 to 26/9/2022. Confirm by VIN.

Oil inside the electric motor of the 1.6 E-Tech: hollow primary shaft O-ringGearbox

Engine / equipment: 1.6 E-Tech hybrid (140/145 hp) and plug-in hybrid (160 hp): Clio V, Captur II, Mégane IV and Arkana
Period mentioned: 2019–2024
Symptoms: The message “surchauffe moteur électrique” (electric motor overheating, Renault internal code 0A9098) or loss of drive when pulling away that means the car has to be towed (code 16D861).
Possible cause described: The O-ring on the electric motor's hollow primary shaft does not seal properly and gearbox oil gets into the electric motor. In May 2024 Renault opened a special technical operation (OTS) for cars built from 26/8/2019 to 2/2/2024 (157,595 cars in France) and in August 2025 a recall (Renault campaign 0ET1 and Dacia 0EWW) for 155,825 cars built from 5/4/2019 to 26/9/2022, including 79 Dacia Jogger.
Check for the garage: Check by VIN with Renault or Dacia whether the car is in campaign 0ET1 / 0EWW and whether it has been done. With the overheating warning, the garage removes the electric motor temperature sensor and looks for oil; if there is any, it replaces the O-ring, cleans the electric motor and may update the HEVC and HECM computers. If the car no longer drives, the whole gearbox is replaced.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall; the 2024 operation covered it 100% up to 7 years or 150,000 km.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only cars built from 26/8/2019 to 18/2/2021 (operation OTS 0EJQ). Confirm by VIN.

Shrill noise when starting and “Panne moteur électrique” on early 1.6 E-Tech carsGearbox

Engine / equipment: 1.6 E-Tech hybrid (140/145 hp) and plug-in hybrid (160 hp): Clio V, Captur II, Mégane IV and Arkana
Period mentioned: 2019–2021
Symptoms: A shrill noise when the car tries to start the petrol engine; the instrument panel may show “Panne moteur électrique” (electric motor fault) or “Risque de casse moteur” (risk of engine damage), and the petrol engine may fail to start.
Possible cause described: Renault identified an internal fault of the hybrid gearbox on about 13,889 Clio V, Captur II, Mégane IV and Arkana built from 26/8/2019 to 18/2/2021. Since January 2025 special technical operation OTS 0EJQ replaces the gearbox if the customer complains of the noise and the diagnosis confirms it.
Check for the garage: Check the build date and ask Renault for a gearbox diagnosis quoting operation OTS 0EJQ. It is not a recall: Renault does not write to owners, so you have to go to the garage and describe the noise.
Cost cited in the source: Renault covers it on cars under 7 years old or 200,000 km (whichever comes first).A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.