The Renault Captur was first introduced for the 2013 model year as a compact crossover SUV. The second generation of the Renault Captur came out in 2019 and is soon to get its mid-life cycle refresh. The second generation is also made slightly larger thanks to a 20mm longer wheelbase which made the Captur more spacious in the rear seats.
As far as outright sales are concerned, the Captur is one of the best-selling Renault cars of the modern era which makes a lot of sense since it is a stylish, urban crossover SUV. In this article, we are going to mention all the common problems with Renault Captur and tell you what you need to look out for if you are in the market for one.
The most common problems include electric problems which can be both small and big. The catalytic converter is also relatively problematic due to defective welding while the brakes can fail on cars made between 2013 and 2015. The trunk opener can get stuck and some of the body panels don’t align perfectly.
Lastly, we also need to mention problems with the start-stop system which can cut the car’s power without reason and can also be relatively difficult to start it up afterward.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems are by far the most common problems with the Renault Captur. Almost half of all the reported problems online are directly associated with the car’s electrics which means that you should pay close attention to these when buying one used. People complained about the sat nav being defective while A/C and its controls can also stop functioning.
A few owners also reported problems with headlights that dip too much while the alternator and the battery can also be a problem. Captur models made in July 2019 have a manufacturing defect where the alternator can short circuit and cause a fire. These have been part of a recall, but it is not clear if all the 2019 models have been taken care of.
Catalytic Converter Problems
There are two catalytic converter-related problems we need to discuss. The first one is that some cars are known to experience clogged catalytic converters even in the car’s earlier life stage. If possible, these will have to be cleaned, if not, you will have to replace them.
The second problem has also got to do with a specific recall issued for many 2019 Captur models. It is said that the converters weren’t properly welded onto the car and can thus fall off the car. Be sure to contact a Renault dealership if you are interested in buying a 2019 Captur.
Problems With the Brakes
A few owners of the Captur complained about the car’s brakes losing their effectiveness without any apparent reason. Some have also reported problems with the brakes wearing off quickly. Both of these problems have been directly linked to an issue where the inner wheel arches rub against the brake lines and thus lead to cracked brake hoses.
This was especially the case for the earliest Captur models, so be wary about this if you are in the market for a 2013 to 2015 Captur.
Body Panel Issues
We also need to discuss quite a few complaints about the car’s body panels being out of alignment, so much so that they can cause problems with the trunk opening mechanism. A few sources state that the trunk lid can get stuck and difficult to open and that this can be due to latch problems but also some problems with the car’s body panels not being aligned properly.
Start-Stop System Problems
Last, but certainly not least, the Captur is known to experience a whole load of trouble with the start-stop system which can make your daily commutes really frustrating. For starters, you can’t turn off the start-stop for good as you need to turn it off every time you start the car up as it always defaults to on when the car is turned off.
Secondly, the system is known to engage at relatively high speeds and thus lock your steering wheel. Thirdly, owners have reported that the car can cut off, but it refuses to let them start it. Many have reported that they need to press the start button a few times before the car finally kicks to life.
FAQ Section
Should I Buy the Renault Captur?
If you want a modern, good-looking, relatively spacious, and affordable compact crossover SUV, the Renault Captur is a really good option. The reality is that these are selling like crazy in Europe as people love these types of cars. The Captur has a lot to offer for those wanting a normal car, but those wanting something more luxurious are likely going to want more.
Either way, the Captur is a really good all-arounder with decent engines. Efficiency is really good across the board while safety is capped at 5 starts for every iteration of the Captur. It may not be quick or overly exciting to drive, but it does everything you’d expect from a modern daily driver.
Which Cars Rival the Renault Captur?
This is an incredibly competitive segment which means that the Captur has quite a few rivals. The Nissan Juke, the Peugeot 2008, the Ford Puma, Toyota Yaris Cross, and the VW T-Cross are often regarded as the most similar opponents.
The new Hyundai Bayon is also in the discussion while the C3 Aircross directly competes with the Captur. The Honda HR-V, and the Seat Arona are all head-on competitors with the Captur.
Is the Renault Captur Expensive?
The Renault Captur lies in the affordable/economy part of the market which means that it is far from being expensive, but even economy-level cars have now become fairly costly due to rising prices and the overall progression of the car industry.
This means that you can buy a lightly used luxury crossover for a price of a new Captur, but the Captur is still going to be more affordable to live with, so the differences are still there.
