I have been driving my Zoe for over a year now and I love it. It’s perfect for city life, easy to charge, and fun to drive. But like any car, the Zoe is not perfect. It has some problems that can affect its performance, comfort, or even safety.
In this article, I will share with you the 4 most common problems that Renault Zoe owners face and how to avoid or fix them. These problems are based on my own experience, as well as on the reports and reviews of other Zoe drivers.
I hope none of these issues ever happen to you but, in case they do, now you know you’ll be prepared!
Common Problems With My Renault Zoe
1. Software Glitches
Severity: It depends, but usually low.
Like most cars these days, the Renault Zoe relies heavily on software to function properly. So it’s no surprise that glitches in the software or in the infotainment system are one of the most common issues that can happen with this car.
These glitches can manifest in obvious places, such as the infotainment system. Sometimes, the infotainment screen freezes or crashes, or it reboots itself randomly. Other times it doesn’t connect to your devices.
But in an electric car, the software can also impact other functionalities. It might prevent you from turning the car on or off, generate battery issues or prevent you from using features such as preconditioning.
Software is everywhere in an EV, so it can also cause problems everywhere.
How to avoid this problem: always keep your software up-to-date. Renault often releases software updates for the Zoe. Stay connected with Renault’s official channels, such as their website or mobile app. This way you can receive notifications about software updates.
Or, if you’re experiencing an issue, go to this website and enter your VIN number.
The exact place where you can find your VIN number depends on your car’s model, but it’s usually on your V5 document, as well as inside your car, engraved somewhere. Try the driver’s door or the trunk, as shown in this video.
If there are any updates available, install them. Remember to regularly check for updates to avoid reaching a point where problems appear.
2. Charging Issues
Severity: Medium.
The Renault Zoe is an EV, so charging it is a critical part of owning this car. In normal conditions, charging is straightforward — actually, a lot more simple than I imagined before buying the car.
Yet, there is an extensive list of issues that can arise related to charging. These can include, for example, problems with the cable or the power supply, battery degradation, or slow charging. Sometimes, the issue is more extreme and the car says that charging is impossible.
But fear not, we are here to help.
We have extensively covered the charging topic in our articles:
- Here you find a guide that lists common Renault Zoe battery issues & how to fix them;
- In this article, we go over the causes of charging issues and suggest 5 simple fixes for you to try;
- If your Zoe says that battery charging is impossible, read this troubleshooting guide we put together;
- And finally, to prevent any future issues, have a look at our full Renault Zoe charging guide.
3. Brake Hose Deterioration
Severity: High.
Next on the list is brake hose deterioration.
The brake hose ensures that the proper amount of pressure is applied when you press the brake pedal. Having this part deteriorate affects how well your brakes work and how safe you are on the road.
Some Renault Zoe drivers have reported issues with the inner brake hose rubbing against the inner wheel wells. This can cause these lines to leak which will lead to a poor brake response.
You may notice that your brake pedal feels spongy or soft, that your brake fluid level warning light comes on, or that your braking power is reduced. If you ignore this problem, you may lose your brakes completely and risk an accident.
How to avoid this problem: check your brake hoses regularly for any signs of wear, damage, or leakage. You should also follow the recommended service intervals for your Zoe and have your brakes inspected by a professional. If you find out that your brake hose is faulty, you should replace it as soon as possible.
Renault has recalled some Zoes for this issue and offered to fix it for free. You can contact your Renault dealer to see if your car is affected by this recall and arrange a repair. Replacing the brake hose is not a difficult or expensive job, but it is important for your safety and peace of mind.
4. Heating Problems
Severity: Low.
Finally, let’s discuss heating problems.
This is a common and annoying issue that can affect your driving comfort and range. Heating is important for electric cars, especially in cold weather. You want to feel warm and cozy when you drive your Zoe.
However, some Renault Zoes have had issues with the heater, such as insufficient heating, faulty heat pumps, or high energy consumption.
You may notice that your heater blows cold air only, that your heater makes a loud noise, or that your battery drains faster when you use the heater. If you ignore this problem, you may feel cold and uncomfortable, and you may have to charge your car more often.
To avoid this problem, you should check your heater regularly and make sure it is working properly. If you find out that your heater is faulty, you should fix it or replace it as soon as possible. Renault has not recalled any Zoes for this issue, but you may be covered by the warranty if your car is still within the period.
Other Issues
This article covered the most common issues that happen with the Renault Zoe but, unfortunately, there are more problems that can emerge with your car.
Luckily, we’ve written extensively about the Renault Zoe and possible solutions for its problems. If you’re experiencing an issue not discussed in this article, have a look below:
- Renault Zoe Not Starting? You’re Not Alone. 6 Fixes To Try
- Renault Zoe Not Turning Off? 5 Shut-Down Fixes To Try
- Is Your Renault Zoe’s Radio Stuck On? Here Are 5 Quick Fixes To Try
- How to Release A Stuck Charging Cable On A Renault Zoe
- Electric Motor Failure On Your Renault Zoe? Here’s What You Need To Know
- If Your Renault Zoe Alarm Keeps Going Off, Read This
- Renault Zoe Not Unlocking? You’re Not Alone — Here’s Why
Conclusion
The Renault Zoe is a great electric car but, as we’ve seen, it is not without its flaws. Some of these problems are minor and easy to solve, while others are more serious and require professional attention.
Try following our tips to avoid the issues happening in the first place. But if they ever do happen, I hope the troubleshooting tips we shared above will get the issues fixed for you.
Thank you for reading and happy, problem-free, driving!