Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Renault
  6. /
  7. Twizy
Renault · Known Issues

2017 Renault Twizy Problems: 8 Known Issues

2017 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2017 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Renault Twizy has 8 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Traction Battery Cell Imbalance and BMS (BCB) Fault - Range Collapse and No-Drive ($500-$4,500 repair), 12V Battery Discharge and No-Start ($100-$250 repair) and On-Board Charger Failure or Charge Interruption ($150-$2,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $15 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Twizy Electrical3
  • Twizy Body/Panels2
  • Twizy Drivetrain1
  • Twizy HVAC1
  • Twizy Brakes1
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Electrical3
  • Body/Panels2
  • Drivetrain1
  • HVAC1
  • Brakes1
  • FAQ

All 8 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS202020192018201720162015201420132012

On the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy, the 6.1 kWh LG-cell traction pack is managed by a battery control box (BCB). Two related failures dominate owner reports. First, individual cells or cell groups drift low: the BMS then limits or refuses discharge, so the car shows a plausible state of charge but loses power or shuts down under load, or the range collapses far below the already modest 50-80 km. Second, the BCB or its wiring fails outright, giving a 'traction battery fault' or service message with the vehicle refusing to activate the pack - the car will neither charge nor drive even though the charger and 12V system test fine. Owners have measured pack voltages sitting abnormally low (mid-50s V on a nominal 58V pack) with one cell well below its neighbours. Batteries were originally leased with a 75% state-of-health replacement guarantee; on packs over ten years old that threshold drops to 60%, which leaves a large band of badly degraded but 'in spec' packs.

Common Symptoms

  • Range far below normal for the state of charge shown
  • Sudden power loss or shutdown under load
  • Traction battery / service warning on the dash
  • Vehicle will not charge and will not drive
  • State of charge gauge jumps or drops abruptly
  • One cell reading well below the others on diagnostics

How to Fix

Diagnose with CAN tooling (OVMS or a Renault CLIP session) to read per-cell voltages and pack SOH before spending anything - this separates a single weak cell from a dead BCB from an unrelated charger fault. Renault workshops do not repair packs at cell level; their answer is a pack exchange, and under a battery lease a pack below the SOH threshold should be replaced at no cost. Independent EV specialists and forum members do open packs to replace individual weak cell blocks or repair the BCB and its wiring, which is far cheaper than an exchange pack but requires HV competence. Keeping the car off 100% SOC for long storage periods measurably slows degradation, a point repeatedly made on the German forum.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $4,500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy, a very common Twizy fault is discharge or failure of the small 12V auxiliary battery, which prevents the vehicle from waking up its control modules and closing the main traction battery contactors. Owners report the car appearing completely dead, showing charging faults, or refusing to select drive after sitting unused; the issue is often caused by an aging AGM battery, parasitic drain, or long storage without a maintainer.

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle will not power on
  • Drive mode cannot be selected
  • Charging session will not start or stops early
  • Dashboard warning lights or blank display
  • Clicking from contactors with no startup

How to Fix

Diagnosis starts with checking resting 12V voltage and load-testing the auxiliary battery; anything significantly below about 12.4V after charging usually points to replacement. Inspect battery terminals, ground points, and DC-DC charging operation, then replace the 12V battery if weak; typical battery cost is about $80-$180, with total repair usually $100-$250 including labor. If the battery repeatedly goes flat, owners also check for charger/DC-DC faults and use a maintenance charger during storage.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Renault Twizy 14Ah auxiliary battery 244103090R

    Confirm VIN, 12V battery dimensions, bolt-terminal layout/polarity and import shipping before purchase; this is not the traction battery.

    Renault Genuine Parts UK

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipKeep the 12V battery on a smart maintainer if the Twizy sits for more than a week or two, especially in cold weather.
  • TipAfter replacing the battery, clean and tighten the terminals and chassis ground to avoid repeat low-voltage faults.
Typical repair cost:$100 - $250

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence

On the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy, twizy owners frequently report charging faults where the car will not begin charging, stops partway through, or shows a charging system warning. The problem is commonly linked to the on-board charger, charging cable/inlet issues, moisture intrusion, or low 12V system voltage preventing the charger and battery management system from operating correctly.

Common Symptoms

  • Charging will not start
  • Charging stops before battery is full
  • Charge fault warning on display
  • Plug or cable gets unusually warm
  • Vehicle remains at low state of charge despite being plugged in

How to Fix

Diagnosis involves confirming mains supply quality, inspecting the integrated charge cable and plug for heat damage, checking the charge inlet and wiring for corrosion, and scanning Renault-specific EV modules for charger faults. Repairs range from cleaning connections or replacing the charge cable components to replacing the on-board charger assembly; minor fixes may cost $150-$400, while charger replacement can run roughly $1,000-$2,500 depending on parts source and labor.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipCheck the 12V battery first before condemning the charger, because low auxiliary voltage can mimic a major charging fault.
  • TipInspect the charge plug and inlet regularly for moisture, corrosion, or discoloration from overheating.
Typical repair cost:$150 - $2,500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy, the charging flap on the Twizy's nose is held by a small moulded plastic hinge with an integral spring pocket. It is a well-known weak point: owners routinely snap it when they pull the coiled charge cable out of its recess with one hand while unconsciously holding or tugging the flap with the other. UV exposure and heat cycling on a vehicle that lives outdoors embrittles the plastic, so older cars break the hinge with almost no force at all. German forum threads on the subject run to hundreds of posts (one is literally titled 'charge flap broken, the 1,200th time'). Once broken the flap either flaps loose at speed or is lost entirely, leaving the charge socket and its coiled cable exposed to rain and road spray - which in turn feeds the Twizy's better-known water-ingress and charger corrosion problems.

Common Symptoms

  • Charge flap hangs loose or falls off
  • Cracked or snapped plastic hinge at the nose panel
  • Flap will not stay closed or rattles at speed
  • Charge socket exposed to rain
  • Flap spring detached

How to Fix

The OEM hinge is available as a small part and swaps in about five minutes with a Torx driver, but it is the same plastic and will break again. Owners have converged on two durable fixes: a reinforced 3D-printed hinge (STL files are shared freely in the twizy-forum.de 3D-Druck section, in both screw-in and glue-in versions), or the simplest permanent repair - two small metal angle brackets and two screws through the flap, which forum members report lasts indefinitely. Whichever route, get in the habit of unspooling the coiled cable without touching the flap.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Reinforced Renault Twizy loading-hatch hinge set of two

    Renault Twizy charge/loading flap hinge repair only. Inspect flap, nose-panel mounts and latch; installation requires marking/drilling and hardware-clearance checks.

    Etsy / LGinspi
  • Genuine Renault Twizy complete front charging flap 297869754R

    Confirm VIN, color/finish, included latch/hardware and international delivery before purchase.

    PartSouq

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$15 - $90

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy, the Twizy's half-door and open-sided design makes it prone to water ingress, rattles, and latch wear. Owners report rain entering around the optional side windows and doors, difficulty latching or opening the scissor doors, and increased cabin noise from worn seals and misadjusted hardware.

Common Symptoms

  • Water entering cabin in rain
  • Door rattles over bumps
  • Door difficult to latch or open
  • Wind noise around side openings
  • Loose or misaligned window panels

How to Fix

Inspect door hinges, latch alignment, striker position, and the condition of seals and window panels. Repairs usually involve adjusting the latch/striker, replacing worn seals or fasteners, and lubricating hinges and locks; costs are often $50-$250 for adjustment and minor parts, but damaged door hardware can push repairs toward $400 or more.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipRegularly lubricate the door hinges and latch mechanisms, especially if the vehicle is parked outdoors.
  • TipAdjust the striker before replacing the latch, because many hard-closing doors are simply out of alignment.
Typical repair cost:$50 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence

On the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy 13 kW / 5 kW synchronous motor with Comex single-speed reducer, the Twizy's single-speed Comex reduction gearbox has no bearing supporting the motor output/input shaft on the gearbox side. The shaft is cantilevered off the motor rotor bearings only, so it deflects under torque. Owners report a rising gear whine or squeal at specific speeds (typically around 30 km/h and again at 70-80 km/h under full throttle), a hum on coasting, and a distinct clunk on load reversal (lifting off and reapplying the throttle). The deflection accelerates tooth-flank wear, so the noise gets progressively worse with mileage; German forum members report the noise becoming intrusive anywhere from roughly 20,000 km upward and severe past 70,000 km. Marginal oil supply to the input shaft aggravates it. In the worst cases the shaft itself has been damaged and required repair or a gearbox exchange.

Common Symptoms

  • Gear whine or squeal at around 30 km/h
  • Loud whine at 70-80 km/h under full throttle
  • Clunk when lifting off and reapplying the throttle
  • Humming or droning while coasting
  • Noise gets progressively worse with mileage
  • Backlash felt through the driveline

How to Fix

Renault's only official answer is a replacement reduction gearbox, which does not cure the underlying design gap. The community fix, documented in detail on twizy-forum.de and in a published step-by-step PDF, is to fit an auxiliary support bearing (Zusatzlager) at the previously unsupported gearbox-side end of the motor output shaft. This requires dropping the gearbox, machining/fitting the bearing carrier, and refilling with fresh gear oil. Owners who have done it report the load-change clunk and coasting hum eliminated and the high-frequency squeal much reduced. Changing the gear oil at sensible intervals (Renault specifies it as fill-for-life) is a worthwhile preventive measure since the oil supply to that shaft is poor.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $2,200

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy, twizys fitted with the windscreen (and optional glass doors) get an electrically heated screen operated by a dash switch, and it is the only demisting provision the car has - there is no blower or heater matrix. Owners on both UK and French communities report the function simply never works or stops working: no telltale light, no relay click when the switch is pressed. Two causes recur. The dash switch itself is a known failure point - French owners describe having to work the control back and forth repeatedly to get anything, with the fix being switch replacement. Separately, UK owners investigating a screen that had never worked found the heated-screen relay absent from the fuse box altogether, apparently omitted or removed in build or by a previous owner. Because the Twizy's cabin is open to the weather and prone to water ingress, a car with no working demist is genuinely difficult to see out of on a cold damp morning.

Common Symptoms

  • Heated windscreen does nothing when switched on
  • No indicator light on the dash switch
  • No relay click from the fuse box
  • Windscreen fogs and will not clear
  • Switch only works intermittently or after repeated operation

How to Fix

Check the fuse box first and confirm the heated-screen relay is actually present and seated - forum members have found the socket empty, and fitting a correct relay restored the function for a few pounds. If the relay is present and healthy, test for switched feed at the switch: a failed dash switch is the most common cause and is a straightforward replacement. Only after both check out should the screen element itself and its connections at the A-pillars be suspected. Wiring diagrams and fuse box layout are circulated in the Speak EV Twizy fuse box and workshop manual threads.

Typical repair cost:$20 - $220

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy, because the Twizy is light, uses regenerative braking, and is often driven short distances, its friction brakes can corrode from lack of use. Owners commonly report sticking calipers, seized slide pins, dragging brakes, and uneven pad wear, especially after storage or wet-weather use.

Common Symptoms

  • Dragging brake feel
  • Squealing or grinding from wheels
  • Vehicle pulls during braking
  • Reduced efficiency or increased rolling resistance
  • Uneven pad wear

How to Fix

Inspect pad thickness, rotor condition, caliper piston movement, and slide pin lubrication on all corners. Repairs usually involve cleaning and lubricating hardware, replacing seized pins or calipers, and fitting new pads/rotors if corrosion is advanced; expect about $150-$350 for service work, or $300-$700 if calipers and discs are needed.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipUse the friction brakes firmly from time to time to keep the discs clean, since regen alone can let corrosion build up.
  • TipIf the Twizy is stored, move it periodically and release/reapply the parking brake to reduce sticking.
Typical repair cost:$150 - $700

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence
🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Renault Twizy problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Renault Twizy. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other Renault Models

Renault Clio10Renault Captur9Renault Megane8Renault Koleos7Renault Kwid6Renault Scenic5

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Renault Twizy problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Renault Twizy has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Traction Battery Cell Imbalance and BMS (BCB) Fault - Range Collapse and No-Drive, 12V Battery Discharge and No-Start, On-Board Charger Failure or Charge Interruption. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Renault Twizy reliable?

The 2017 Renault Twizy has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Traction Battery Cell Imbalance and BMS (BCB) Fault - Range Collapse and No-Drive and 12V Battery Discharge and No-Start and On-Board Charger Failure or Charge Interruption. 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 Twizy problems?

Repair costs for known Renault Twizy issues range from $15 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Traction Battery Cell Imbalance and BMS (BCB) Fault - Range Collapse and No-Drive, typically costs $500-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy Traction Battery Cell Imbalance and BMS (BCB) Fault - Range Collapse and No-Drive?

The 6.1 kWh LG-cell traction pack is managed by a battery control box (BCB). Two related failures dominate owner reports. First, individual cells or cell groups drift low: the BMS then limits or refuses discharge, so the car shows a plausible state of charge but loses power or sh… Repairs typically run $500-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy 12V Battery Discharge and No-Start?

A very common Twizy fault is discharge or failure of the small 12V auxiliary battery, which prevents the vehicle from waking up its control modules and closing the main traction battery contactors. Owners report the car appearing completely dead, showing charging faults, or refus… Repairs typically run $100-$250. 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 2012-2020 Renault Twizy On-Board Charger Failure or Charge Interruption?

Twizy owners frequently report charging faults where the car will not begin charging, stops partway through, or shows a charging system warning. The problem is commonly linked to the on-board charger, charging cable/inlet issues, moisture intrusion, or low 12V system voltage prev… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy Reduction Gearbox Input-Shaft Whine and Load-Change Clunk (Unsupported Motor Output Shaft)?

The Twizy's single-speed Comex reduction gearbox has no bearing supporting the motor output/input shaft on the gearbox side. The shaft is cantilevered off the motor rotor bearings only, so it deflects under torque. Owners report a rising gear whine or squeal at specific speeds (t… Repairs typically run $400-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy Heated Windscreen / Demister Failure - Dash Switch and Missing or Failed Relay?

Twizys fitted with the windscreen (and optional glass doors) get an electrically heated screen operated by a dash switch, and it is the only demisting provision the car has - there is no blower or heater matrix. Owners on both UK and French communities report the function simply… Repairs typically run $20-$220. Severity: medium.

What is the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy Brake Seizure and Uneven Pad Wear?

Because the Twizy is light, uses regenerative braking, and is often driven short distances, its friction brakes can corrode from lack of use. Owners commonly report sticking calipers, seized slide pins, dragging brakes, and uneven pad wear, especially after storage or wet-weather… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy Charge Flap Hinge Snapping Off at the Nose Panel?

The charging flap on the Twizy's nose is held by a small moulded plastic hinge with an integral spring pocket. It is a well-known weak point: owners routinely snap it when they pull the coiled charge cable out of its recess with one hand while unconsciously holding or tugging the… Repairs typically run $15-$90. Severity: low.

What is the 2012-2020 Renault Twizy Door, Window, and Latch Water Ingress Problems?

The Twizy's half-door and open-sided design makes it prone to water ingress, rattles, and latch wear. Owners report rain entering around the optional side windows and doors, difficulty latching or opening the scissor doors, and increased cabin noise from worn seals and misadjuste… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: low.