Used Renault Zoe 2013-present reliability
Category: Electric car
The Renault Zoe is a popular and affordable used electric car, plus it can go decently far on a single charge.
What should I look for in a used Renault Zoe hatchback?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
Despite its lack of an internal combustion engine and all its associated paraphernalia, the Zoe still has a number of things that can cause problems.
Check bodywork for minor scuffs and damage, because this is a car meant for the city. Also, there’s no spare tyre, just a can of sealant and a compressor, the latter with a use-by date.
What's more, it’s worth noting that Renault has said that you’re not supposed to change a wheel yourself in case the battery (which sits under the car) gets damaged when you jack it up.
It’s also worth finding out if the previous owner had bought a regular 13-amp charging cable for use in a three-pin plug socket, as Renault didn’t supply these from new. The Zoe can be charged this way, so this is useful to have, even if it is woefully slow. Renault provided a Chargemaster wallbox in the owner’s home from new for the Zoe’s regular charging.
A lot of used Zoes will come with the battery leasing option, the cost of which varies depending on the sort of mileage you do and how long you want the contract to last. The lease scheme was dropped for the new model in 2020, and Renault will allow you to buy the battery of existing cars outright for a one-off fee. This depends upon how old the battery pack is, rather than the car, so check that a replacement hasn't already been carried out if you do wish to buy out the lease.
What are the most common problems with a used Renault Zoe hatchback?
Brake efficiency may be reduced
There was an issue with the front wheel arch liners on some cars where it would rub against the front brake hoses and, in rare circumstances, cause a leak. If the brake fluid level gets too low, it'll reduce brake efficiency, but you should get a low brake fluid level warning lamp to alert you of this before it gets to that stage. Check with a Renault dealer to make sure the appropriate remedial work has been carried out.
Incorrect accelerator pedal fitted
A small number of Zoes built between 12 July 2017 and 18 October 2017 may have been fitted with the wrong accelerator pedal, which could cause discomfort or, in extreme circumstances, get stuck under the floor mat. Find out from your Renault dealer whether or not it has been replaced.
Gearbox might not hold the car in park
The pin for the park lever inside the gearbox could brake on some Zoes, allowing the car to roll away. This could be a particular problem if you only leave it in park and don't apply the handbrake or don't set the handbrake correctly. There have been two separate recalls for this, but it mostly affects models made between 1 July 2015 and 26 April 2017, so find out from your local Renault dealer whether on not this work has been carried out.
Dashboard reflection in the windscreen
Some owners of early Zoes that had a light-coloured dashboard found that it reflected badly in the windscreen. Renault agreed to retrofit an alternative piece in a darker shade to solve this problem.
Rear seat bench
The rear seat bench may not be locked into position securely. This could result in injury to the occupants in the event of hard breaking or a collision. Your local Renault dealer should be able to check it's secure (if your vehicle is involved in the recall).
Click here for more information. Contact your local Renault dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Renault Zoe hatchback reliable?
The Renault Zoe sits slightly under par for reliability. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Zoe placed 14th out of 20 cars in the electric car class, with an okay-at-best score of 89.2%. The Zoe finished above the Kia EV6 and the MG4, but below the Mini Electric and the Nissan Leaf.
A number of Zoes (22%) in our survey had at least one fault. The 12-volt battery was the main gripe, and there were also issues with the air-con, bodywork, brakes and non-motor electrics. All cars were fixed for free, but repairs were slow – three quarters of cars spent more than a week in the workshop, and 43% of cars couldn't be driven.
Renault, as a car brand, came 23rd out of 32 manufacturers: above Audi and Jaguar but below Peugeot and Skoda, albeit with a reasonable score of 90%.
From new, Renault offered a three-year/100,000-miles warranty on the Zoe and an additional four-year/100,000-mile warranty on the motor and battery pack, plus a fourth year of UK-only assistance, if you bought the battery rather than leased it.
Used Renault Zoe: owners' reliability data
A common thread among reader responses relate to electrical and battery-related issues. Several owners reported problems with charging systems and battery management, which sometimes required multiple dealership visits to resolve.
Feedback on the dealer service was varied: while some praised their local dealership for attentive and professional service, others felt frustrated by slow service and a lack of clear communication regarding repairs. Despite these challenges, we've still heard from many readers that are satisfied with their Zoe, particularly because it's affordable to run.
