These Problems Most Frequently Occur With The Renault Kadjar
Are you planning to buy a Renault Kadjar? Or maybe you already drive one? Then you must be curious about the problems that are common with this model from Renault. After all, it’s important to know what to expect so you can be prepared and avoid potential headaches and, of course, costs.
1. The Dashboard Lives Its Own Life
A common complaint from Kadjar owners is that the dashboard sometimes spontaneously displays lights or gives error messages, without anything actually appearing wrong. Think warnings for the tyre pressure system or the ESP (Electronic Stability Control) system. Pretty irritating, right? You’re driving slowly and suddenly several lights come on. What the hell does that mean?
The cause often lies in the Kadjar’s electronics. It could have to do with sensors malfunctioning or a temporary problem with the wiring. If you experience this, it’s best to stop by the garage for a check. Often it is nothing serious, but you still want to make sure everything is working properly.
The cost of replacing a sensor is around €100 – €200.
2. Problems with the start-stop function
The Renault Kadjar has a start-stop system, designed to save fuel. This system shuts off the engine when you stand still at a traffic light, for example, and automatically starts the engine again as soon as you want to drive off. Handy, isn’t it? At least… If it works, as it is meant to.
Indeed, some owners report that the start-stop system is unreliable. Sometimes it does not work at all, other times the engine shuts down when it is not supposed to. This can be quite frustrating, especially in heavy city traffic. The problem could be caused by a weak battery, or simply a bug in the car’s software. If you notice that this system is not working properly on your Kadjar, it is wise to have it checked at the dealer.
Replacing a battery can range from €150 to €300.
3. Turbo Problems: Power Loss And Smoke Development
Do you drive a Kadjar with a turbocharged engine? If so, you may have noticed occasional problems with the turbocharger. A common problem is loss of power. You press the accelerator, but the car responds slowly or not at all as you expect. Sound familiar?
In some cases, there may also be smoke at the exhaust, indicating a faulty turbocharger. This is a serious problem that you should not ignore. Often, dirt build-up in the turbocharger or a faulty component can be the cause. You may need to have the turbo cleaned or even replaced. The longer you wait, the worse it can get, so this is a problem you need to address immediately.
On average, a turbo cleaning costs around €150 – €250.
Replacing the turbo falls a lot more expensive, often between €1,000 and €2,000.
4. Shocks While Shifting
Another problem that sometimes occurs with the Renault Kadjar has to do with the gearbox, especially in automatic versions. Some drivers complain of jerking during gear changes, especially at low speeds. This can range from a slight jolt to quite an annoying feeling while driving.
This problem is common in older Kadjar models and can be caused by transmission wear or problems with the software that controls the gearbox. If you notice this while driving, it is smart to get it checked quickly. A faulty gearbox can eventually lead to expensive repairs if you don’t address it in time.
A simple software update or diagnosis can cost around €100 – €200.
Is there mechanical wear on the gearbox? Then the repair costs could be as much as €2,000 – €4,000.
5. Air conditioning not working properly
Sitting in the car on a hot summer day, but hardly getting any cold air from the air conditioning? Then you are not the only one. In the Renault Kadjar, air conditioning is a source of many complaints. Often the system does not work as it should, or it only blows hot air, even when you have set the air conditioning to the coldest setting.
This problem could have several causes. It could be that the system simply needs refilling with refrigerant. But in some cases, it is down to the compressor, which has failed. This part is not cheap to replace, so it is important to have the problem properly diagnosed.
Refilling the refrigerant costs on average between €70 and €150.
However, replacing a faulty compressor can be much more expensive, often between €600 and €1,000.
6. Problems with the multimedia system
As a modern car, the Renault Kadjar has an advanced multimedia and navigation system. However, it is not uncommon for malfunctions to occur when using it. Think a crashing screen, slow responses or a navigation that cannot find a signal. Have you experienced this yourself?
These problems are usually due to software errors. Fortunately, they can often be fixed by an update at the dealer. Still, it can be frustrating when you want to rely on your navigation while driving and the system lets you down.
A software update or system reset usually costs between €50 and €150.
If the problem is hardware-related (e.g. a faulty screen), the cost could be as much as €500 or more.
What Can You Do?
If you own a Renault Kadjar or are considering buying one, it is good to keep these common problems in mind. The good news is that most problems are relatively easy to fix, especially if you address them early. Regular maintenance and getting problems checked immediately can save you a lot of time and money. Sometimes maintenance is also within your warranty.
Are you doubting whether your Kadjar is suffering from any of these problems? Or just want to make sure everything is working properly? Then contact your garage for a comprehensive check-up. That way you can avoid any unexpected surprises along the way!
