The Renault Kangoo is a popular line of compact 4/5-door multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) produced by the French automobile manufacturer, Renault. The Kangoo was first introduced in 1997 and has since undergone several updates and redesigns to make it more competitive and more in line with what Renault offers today.
The Kangoo is designed to be versatile and practical, with a spacious interior and configurable seating arrangements that make it suitable for carrying passengers, cargo, or a combination of both. In this article, we are going to mention the most common problems with Renault Kangoo which will give a broad overview of what to look out for when buying one.
The most common Renault Kangoo problems include electrical problems, the timing belt, issues with the power steering system, problems with the doors, and problems with the fuel system. Most of these can be really annoying, but thankfully only a few can be really expensive to take care of.
All in all, the Kangoo seems to be a fairly reliable MPV if you take proper care of it. Many small and medium businesses use the Kangoo for all of their business needs which is why Renault kept the Kangoo, even to this day.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems and Renault models are a match made in heaven, especially when it comes to early 2000s models. The most notable Renault Kangoo electrical problems include a faulty speedometer which can drop in speed due to a faulty sensor. The key itself can fail and render your anti-theft system useless while also not letting you gain access to the car.
The heating fan is also a problem as the fan resistor is known to fail and will need to be replaced. Last, but surely not least, the Start & Stop system on newer models can be quite assertive and slow to start the car up which can make your daily commutes annoying. Thankfully, these can be solved by software updates or turning the feature off completely.
Timing Belt Problems
Like many vehicles, the Renault Kangoo has a timing belt that is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the engine’s valves and pistons. Timing belt problems can occur in any vehicle, including the Renault Kangoo, and can result in serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
The timing belt tensioner is responsible for keeping the belt tight and in place. If the tensioner fails, the belt may become loose or misaligned, which can cause damage to the engine. This is mostly due to oil contamination which means that you should replace your engine oil as often as you can to minimize the chances of timing belt trouble.
Power Steering Problems
If you sense that your steering wheel is becoming heavier and heavier to control, your power steering fluid could be leaking. If the power steering fluid is leaking, the power steering pump may not have enough fluid to operate properly, which can cause the steering to become stiff or unresponsive.
This can lead to a faulty power steering pump which will leave you with an incredibly stiff steering wheel. The belt itself can wear itself out also, so be sure to keep your entire power steering system in check and inspect it whenever you do your oil changes.
Door Problems
The door handles on the Kangoo can sometimes break or become loose. If this happens, it may be difficult to open or close the door. The door lock actuators can also fail, but be sure to inspect your key fob as well as many people first assume the door locks are to blame.
The rubber door seals on the Kangoo can become worn or damaged, allowing water and debris to enter the vehicle. This can cause problems with the interior and can lead to corrosion.
Fuel System Problems
As far as the fueling system is concerned, there are two we need to mention. The Kangoo was recalled back in 2018 and 2019 for a faulty fuel pipe which caused it to use too much fuel. So, if you see your fuel economy going bad, be sure to call your dealership and ask them about this issue.
If your car starts surging, stalls, or fails to kick in, your fuel pump might be the problem. So, if you can’t hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the key, you just encountered the very first symptom of a faulty fuel pump.
FAQ Section
Should I buy a Renault Kangoo?
The Kangoo is known for its versatility, with a spacious interior and configurable seating arrangements that make it suitable for carrying passengers, cargo, or a combination of both. If you need a vehicle that can adapt to your changing needs, the Kangoo may be a good choice.
It is also fuel efficient, does not cost a lot of money, and has lots of options to choose from. On the other hand, if you want something a bit more modern and more comfortable, the Kangoo is not likely going to be your first choice.
Which Body Types of the Renault Kangoo Exist?
The Renault Kango is available as a panel van which is the most common body type designed to carry lots of cargo. A crew van model is also available and is usually the choice for those who want to combine passenger and cargo transportation.
The MPV version of the Kangoo is designed for personal use and features a larger passenger area with seating for up to seven people. It is also available in various sizes to suit different needs. You can also go for the Kangoo Z.E. which is the EV model and the camper van which isn’t offered as standard, but people have converted a bunch of these into camper van configurations.
Is the Renault Kangoo Safe?
The Renault Kangoo has generally been rated as a safe vehicle, but the safety features and ratings can vary depending on the year and model of the vehicle The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has tested several versions of the Renault Kangoo and has given it an overall safety rating of four out of five stars.
It also gets plenty of the modern active safety features such as airbags, ABS, reversing camera, AEB, and sensors, but not the most advanced stuff such as adaptive cruise and lane keep assist.
