Renault Bonnet Cath Fault

Beth_-_MrsC2be

I don't know if anyone's heard about the fault with Renault Bonnet catches? (More info if you go to What Car or Telegraph websites and search for Renault Bonnet Fault - as a new user I can't post the links)

I received a letter over a year ago saying I was entitled to a free check and replacement (if necessary) of my bonnet catch as there had been a lot of complaints, I was glad to receive this as it had in the past been difficult to close the catch properly. I booked in and had my free check but was told that there was no fault and it didn't need replacing. :huh: I let it be and carried on as normal, it still played up every now and then but I'd lubricate it, clean it etc.

This weekend as we were driving along the motorway my work colleagues who we were following called to say that as they had overtaken me they had noticed my bonnet flapping. :shocked: I looked over to see it flapping up and down by a good inch, I'm certain that had it not been spotted it would have flapped up and hit the windscreen. _pale_

When I pulled over to check it the release mechanism wasn't working properly - it was as if it was already released and wouldn't 'catch' again. As I've said I have maintained the catch really well as I have had problems when I first got the car with it sticking etc. I've called the garage to say that, as it is an identified fault I want them to fix it but I'm not prepared to pay. I was told to bring it in for them to have a look and "we'll take it from there". (translation - we'll probably charge you)

Does anyone know what rights I have (if any!) regarding this?

Horace

Take your car to a renault dealership to get it fixed - this poorly designed catch has been featured on BBC Watchdog over the last 12 months or so.

Beth_-_MrsC2be

Hi Horace,

I've booked it in at the dealership I'm just worried that they'll charge me, I think if they say I have to pay I'll tell them I'm going to Watchdog etc. but I don't know if that will do any good!

I just wanted to know where I stand on the money side of things...

VIVA-BOOTS

This problem seems to be an old one because I have a 2005 clio and I received one of those letters about 3 years ago.

Horace

look on here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog - they may still have details about the faulty catch on here, they shouldnt charge you for looking and fixing it as it is a design fault.

Beth_-_MrsC2be

Thanks Horace,

I looked on Watchdog's site but I think they must have removed it. My concern is that Renault haven't admitted that it is a manufacturing fault and have blamed "poor maintenance" (according to WhatCar?)

VIVA-BOOTS have you had any issues with the catch or did you just get a letter? My Clio is 2005 too but I only got the letter last year. I also don't know if the fact that they told me there were no faults would go against me too...

Alias_Omega

A simple fix, use to repair this on the clio every 6 months.

The catch dries out due to the airflow, just need to keep greasing the catch up.

20mins and it could be done by yourself with a flat blade screwdriver and a 10mm spanner.

VIVA-BOOTS

Beth I took my clio to be tested when I received the letter and like yourself was told the catch was fine. I can't say I've noticed any problems with it except I have to slam it to make sure it's closed, I think I might be over doing this because I'm paranoid it will fly open while I'm driving. If I had your problem I would defo take it back and insist that they sort it because by the sound of things it seems to be faulty. I hope you get it sorted.

staffy18

Hi.
I too have a clio and received that letter 18mths ago. I forgot to get it looked at and over time, my bonnet catch became worse and worse until I couldn't get it open at all without an extra pair of hands.

I then received a further letter from Renault saying that they knew I'd not had it checked and would I get it booked in. Which I did and a new catch was put on free of charge and all ok now.

Stick to your guns - it is a fault, widely recognised as so and they should mend it without charging you .

Beth_-_MrsC2be

Thanks Alias_Omega, I'll definitely give this a try, I'll still go to the garage to see if they'll stick by the original agreement of the letter and replace it but if not I can sort it myself.

Would you be concerned that I had already greased it the day before though as I knew I was going on a long journey?

Beth_-_MrsC2be

staffy18 wrote: »

Hi.
I too have a clio and received that letter 18mths ago. I forgot to get it looked at and over time, my bonnet catch became worse and worse until I couldn't get it open at all without an extra pair of hands.

I then received a further letter from Renault saying that they knew I'd not had it checked and would I get it booked in. Which I did and a new catch was put on free of charge and all ok now.

Stick to your guns - it is a fault, widely recognised as so and they should mend it without charging you .

That's good to know, I'll give it a try! Thanks :-)