The Renault Fluence is a Renault sedan family car that was first introduced for the 2009 model year and was subsequently replaced by the Renault Megane IV sedan in 2016. The Fluence EV is the only Fluence model still in production in South Korea exclusively for the Asia-Pacific market.
In this article, we are going to go over all the common problems with Renault Fluence which includes telling you what can go wrong with the Fluence and what you can do to fix it. The Renault Fluence commonly suffers from issues with the transmission, the car’s electrical systems, the suspension, the engine, and issues with the A/C.
Overall, the Fluence manages to be a relatively reliable car which means that it should be able to stand the test of time without too many problems. If you take proper care of it and do everything that needs to be done in a timely manner, you should be able to enjoy it for a really long time.
Even though you can’t buy the Fluence new anymore, the market is filled with fairly attractive used options which can help you save quite a bit of money. However, you should only focus on lightly used low-mileage models as others might be a bit more problematic.
Transmission Issues
The Renault Fluence is mostly equipped with a standard manual transmission from the factory, but many people opted for an automatic as well. Between the two, the automatic unit is susceptible to rough shifting and potential transmission failures, but it is not all that clear if these are primarily linked to poor maintenance or poor quality.
Manual units can suffer from belt issues and the reverse gear failing to engage when needed. The clutch is also relatively fragile which means that these will need to be replaced a bit more frequently than with other manual transmissions.
Electrical Problems
Older Renault models are no strangers to electrical problems and the Fluence is sadly no different. The three most vulnerable aspects are the electronic dashboard display, exterior lights, and the central display. The two screens can malfunction and thus completely shut off while the central screen is prone to freezing and various glitches.
The exterior lights can fail and will require you to either replace worn-out bulbs or one of the lighting modules. The rear lights suffer from oxidation on the contacts which means that you should periodically take them off and clean them.
Suspension Problems
Many owners have reported hearing strange noises coming from the suspension, such as clunking or rattling sounds. This could be caused by worn or damaged suspension components such as ball joints, sway bar links, or shocks.
Some owners have experienced excessive vibration while driving, which could be due to worn suspension components or even misaligned wheels. It’s essential to have any suspension issues with your Renault Fluence inspected and repaired promptly by a qualified mechanic. Delaying repairs could lead to more severe problems and potentially compromise the safety and handling of the vehicle.
Engine Issues
Owners have reported a lack of power and poor acceleration from the Renault Fluence’s engine. This could be due to a clogged air filter, a malfunctioning fuel injector, or a faulty throttle position sensor. The ignition system can also cause the car to stall and not engage the vehicle at all.
Some owners have reported their Renault Fluence overheating, which could be due to a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning radiator, or a leaking coolant system, all of which will have to be checked and taken care of immediately.
A/C Problems
The A/C compressor is known to fail and thus cause problems such as a lack of cooling/heating, or a completely inoperative system. The clutch and the expansion valve can also fail, predominantly due to clogging and something blocking the mechanisms.
Overall, the A/C system is not an issue per se as these problems stem from not maintaining it whenever needed. So, if you are interested in buying a used Fluence, it is a good idea to have a professional inspect the A/C system to see how well it operates. If it does show signs of strain, it could easily be solved by properly cleaning the system.
Other cars from Renault and their problems: Issues with Renault Kadjar, issues with Renault Arkana or issues with Renault Twingo
FAQ Section
Should I Buy the Renault Fluence?
The Renault Fluence is known for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and efficient engines. However, as with any car, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before making a purchase. If you are used to owning a luxury car, you need to be aware that the Fluence is far off that level which means that you won’t likely be satisfied.
However, if you want an affordable, safe, and relatively well-equipped family sedan, the Fluence is going to be able to give you that experience without any notable issues. It all boils down to the example you buy, so be sure not to skimp on stuff such as proper maintenance and service.
Why did Renault Discontinue the Fluence?
There are a few reasons why Renault decided to discontinue the Fluence, the main ones being poor sales, limited market appeal, and a general market shift in focus. The Fluence had low sales figures in many markets, including Europe, where it faced strong competition from other mid-size sedans.
Renault shifted its focus to other models, including the Megane and the Kadjar SUV, which have been more successful in terms of sales and market appeal. Moreover, the general public prefers crossovers and SUVs now which means that Renault was not interested in having many sedans in its lineup.
Is Renault Fluence a Luxury Car?
The Renault Fluence belongs in the affordable end of the market which means that it isn’t a luxury car by any means. Even though highly-equipped models do come with certain features most people expect in luxury offerings, those aren’t top-notch or particularly rare in virtually all cars these days.
The levels of craftsmanship, technology, material quality, and the overall finish are far off the luxury end of the market which means that the Fluence does not manage to ruffle a single feather in the luxury sedan market.
More about problems for Renault
