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Renault · Known Issues

2017-2024 Renault Kwid Problems: 6 Known Issues

2017-2024 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017-2024 Renault Kwid has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Steering Column Support Bracket Breakage ($550-$1,150 repair), Rear Axle Support Cracking — 2025 Safety Recall (2021-2023 Production) and Launch-Era Recall: Brake Component Cracks and Fuel Line Perforation ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $1,150. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Kwid Brakes2
  • Kwid Steering1
  • Kwid Suspension1
  • Kwid Transmission1
  • Kwid HVAC1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Brakes2
  • Steering1
  • Suspension1
  • Transmission1
  • HVAC1
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20242023202220212020201920182017

In November 2017 Renault do Brasil recalled 21,802 Kwids built between March 1, 2016 and November 2, 2017 (chassis HJ524902 to JJ999218) for two defects announced together. First, brake system components could develop cracks, potentially causing braking inefficiency or wheel lock-up with loss of directional control. Second, the fuel supply tube was routed/positioned incorrectly and could chafe and perforate, leaking fuel into the engine compartment with fire risk. A related recall in January 2018 covered a batch of September 2017-production cars whose engine cradle (subframe) welds could rupture due to a supplier defect. All campaigns are listed on Renault Brazil's official recall page.

Common Symptoms

  • Soft or sinking brake pedal
  • Reduced braking efficiency
  • Wheel lock-up under braking
  • Fuel smell from the engine bay
  • Visible fuel leak under the hood

How to Fix

Check the chassis number against the recall (Renault Brazil recall portal or 0800 055 5615) and have the recall service performed free of charge at a Renault dealer: inspection and replacement of brake components (up to 1 day) and inspection/repositioning or replacement of the fuel tube (about 1 hour). On any used 2017-2018 Kwid purchase, confirm recall completion — open recalls are still performed at no cost.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

Pre-facelift Kwids used small 215 mm solid (non-ventilated) front brake discs that overheat under sustained or hard use, leading to fade on long descents and disc warping that owners feel as violent pedal pulsation and steering wheel vibration when braking — often accompanied by metallic noise even with new pads. The trade magazine O Mecânico documents that Renault replaced the solid discs with larger 238 mm ventilated discs in the 2019/2020 line update specifically to improve sustained-braking efficiency and reduce fading; the solid- and ventilated-disc parts (including pads) are not interchangeable. Brake judder remains one of the most commonly cited chronic complaints on early cars in Brazilian owner-problem roundups.

Common Symptoms

  • Brake pedal pulsates or shudders when stopping
  • Steering wheel vibrates during braking
  • Metallic grinding noise even with new pads
  • Brakes fade on long downhill stretches
  • Burning smell from the front wheels after hard braking

How to Fix

On pre-facelift cars with pedal pulsation, replace (not machine) the warped front discs and pads as an axle set — aftermarket ventilated-disc kits for the facelift hub are sold in Brazil, but the straightforward fix is new quality solid discs and pads matched to the original 215 mm spec. Use engine braking on long descents to limit heat buildup. If vibration persists after new discs, have hub runout and wheel bearing seating checked, as improper mounting also causes judder.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $300

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

One of the most serious and widely reported chronic defects on early Brazilian-market Kwids. The bracket that supports the electric power steering column can crack and break during normal driving, in extreme cases letting the steering wheel drop into the driver's lap with loss of vehicle control. Brazilian outlets (Vrum, Grupo Sentinela, Mundo do Automóvel) document numerous owner reports, concentrated on cars built through 2019, and note that despite the volume of complaints Renault never issued a recall. Dealer quotes reported by owners ranged from roughly R$3,000 to R$5,800 for a complete electric steering column assembly replacement, and several owners only obtained goodwill repairs after escalating publicly.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking or knocking noise from the steering column
  • Excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel
  • Steering wheel suddenly drops toward the driver's lap
  • Metal fragments falling into the driver's footwell
  • Loss of steering control while driving

How to Fix

Have the steering column support inspected immediately at any sign of play, clunking, or noise from the column — this is a drive-safety item. The fix is replacement of the column support or, in most documented cases, the complete electric power steering column assembly. Owners of 2017-2019 cars have had partial success obtaining goodwill (cortesia) coverage from Renault Brazil even outside warranty by registering complaints through Renault customer service and Procon/Reclame Aqui; document the defect with photos before repair.

Typical repair cost:$550 - $1,150

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

Renault Brazil states that Kwids manufactured from 5 May 2021 through 12 June 2023, within the listed non-sequential chassis range J000006-J986154, may experience rear-axle-support impact under specific conditions that can generate cracks and alter original handling characteristics. In extreme cases Renault identifies increased accident and injury or property-damage risk. Service began 5 June 2025.

Common Symptoms

  • Renault Brazil chassis campaign status checked
  • handling change or rear-structure noise treated as urgent
  • inspection and campaign completion documented

How to Fix

Check the chassis directly with Renault Brazil and schedule the no-cost campaign. Renault specifies inspection and replacement of components when necessary, with an estimated service time from 30 minutes to eight hours. If handling changes, rear noise or visible damage occurs before inspection, stop driving and arrange qualified assessment. Do not buy an axle support or related suspension parts from this page; chassis eligibility and Renault’s VIN-specific campaign action must be confirmed first.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The Kwid's cable-operated clutch is a chronic complaint across all model years in Brazil: the pedal becomes heavy and stiff, creaks loudly when pressed (owners compare it to an old door hinge or a trumpet sound when reversing), and reverse gear grinds or refuses to engage. Documented causes are the clutch cable losing lubrication and binding, the release fork deforming, and pressure-plate diaphragm springs weakening — several owners report symptoms starting under 5,000 km, and the local press (Diarinho) covered a case where a dealership dismissed the noise as 'normal.' Vrum additionally documents a smaller number of more severe gearbox failures where first, second, or reverse stop engaging entirely, some within months of purchase.

Common Symptoms

  • Heavy or stiff clutch pedal
  • Loud squeak or creak when pressing the clutch
  • Grinding noise when engaging reverse
  • Difficulty engaging reverse or first gear
  • Trumpet-like noise while reversing

How to Fix

Lubricating the old clutch cable quiets the squeak only for a few days — the documented lasting fix is replacing the clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing) together with a new clutch cable and checking the release fork for deformation. For hard reverse engagement, fully depress the clutch and pause briefly (or pass through a forward gear first) per Renault's own quick guide; persistent grinding after a new clutch indicates the cable/fork repair was incomplete. Total gearbox failures on cars in warranty should be replaced by Renault under warranty.

Typical repair cost:$230 - $500

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

A recurring complaint pattern on the Brazilian Kwid: the AC stops cooling because a refrigerant hose routed low near the engine kinks and develops a pinhole leak, slowly venting the gas — the system still appears to work (panel lights, blower runs) but blows warm or only slightly cool air. The hose leak is reported as especially common on 2018 models, and shops frequently misdiagnose it as a simple gas recharge, which fails again within weeks. There is also a cluster of Reclame Aqui complaints about compressors failing very early (one documented at just 20,000 km, cooling only at high RPM) and abnormal noise/vibration when the compressor engages.

Common Symptoms

  • AC blows warm or only slightly cool air
  • AC only cools at high engine RPM
  • Noise or vibration when the compressor engages
  • Refrigerant recharge stops working within weeks
  • AC gradually loses cooling capacity over months

How to Fix

Have the system leak-tested with UV dye or an electronic sniffer before paying for repeat recharges — check the known trouble spot where the hose runs below/near the engine. Replace the leaking hose and recharge with the correct refrigerant quantity; if the compressor only cools at high RPM or is noisy, test compressor output pressure and replace the compressor if it is worn. On cars still in the 3-year factory warranty, insist on warranty coverage since early compressor failure is well documented.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $650

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Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Renault Kwid problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017-2024 Renault Kwid has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Steering Column Support Bracket Breakage, Rear Axle Support Cracking — 2025 Safety Recall (2021-2023 Production), Launch-Era Recall: Brake Component Cracks and Fuel Line Perforation. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Renault Kwid reliable?

The 2017-2024 Renault Kwid has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Steering Column Support Bracket Breakage and Rear Axle Support Cracking — 2025 Safety Recall (2021-2023 Production) and Launch-Era Recall: Brake Component Cracks and Fuel Line Perforation. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Renault Kwid problems?

Repair costs for known Renault Kwid issues range from $0 to $1,150, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Steering Column Support Bracket Breakage, typically costs $550-$1,150 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Renault Kwid is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Renault Kwid. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2017-2024 Renault Kwid with 6 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

What is the 2017-2019 Renault Kwid Steering Column Support Bracket Breakage?

One of the most serious and widely reported chronic defects on early Brazilian-market Kwids. The bracket that supports the electric power steering column can crack and break during normal driving, in extreme cases letting the steering wheel drop into the driver's lap with loss of… Repairs typically run $550-$1,150. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

What is the 2021-2023 Renault Kwid Rear Axle Support Cracking — 2025 Safety Recall (2021-2023 Production)?

Renault Brazil states that Kwids manufactured from 5 May 2021 through 12 June 2023, within the listed non-sequential chassis range J000006-J986154, may experience rear-axle-support impact under specific conditions that can generate cracks and alter original handling characteristi… Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2018 Renault Kwid Launch-Era Recall: Brake Component Cracks and Fuel Line Perforation?

In November 2017 Renault do Brasil recalled 21,802 Kwids built between March 1, 2016 and November 2, 2017 (chassis HJ524902 to JJ999218) for two defects announced together. First, brake system components could develop cracks, potentially causing braking inefficiency or wheel lock… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2024 Renault Kwid Heavy, Squeaky Clutch and Reverse-Gear Grinding?

The Kwid's cable-operated clutch is a chronic complaint across all model years in Brazil: the pedal becomes heavy and stiff, creaks loudly when pressed (owners compare it to an old door hinge or a trumpet sound when reversing), and reverse gear grinds or refuses to engage. Docume… Repairs typically run $230-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2023 Renault Kwid Air Conditioning Failure — Refrigerant Hose Leak and Early Compressor Faults?

A recurring complaint pattern on the Brazilian Kwid: the AC stops cooling because a refrigerant hose routed low near the engine kinks and develops a pinhole leak, slowly venting the gas — the system still appears to work (panel lights, blower runs) but blows warm or only slightly… Repairs typically run $150-$650. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2020 Renault Kwid Brake Judder and Fade from Undersized Solid Front Discs (Pre-Facelift)?

Pre-facelift Kwids used small 215 mm solid (non-ventilated) front brake discs that overheat under sustained or hard use, leading to fade on long descents and disc warping that owners feel as violent pedal pulsation and steering wheel vibration when braking — often accompanied by… Repairs typically run $100-$300. Severity: medium.