My 2004 Renault Grand Scénic's (the last Renault of my life) dashboard here in Finland went blank in June for the 1st time, I contacted my local dealer and they told it's 1000+EUR from my purse->contacted Renault France directly->Renault Finland->after 4wks an answer: warranty expired, car too old, too much driven (130Kkm), 120 Kkm maintenance not done at Renault's place - give me a break - so a new dashboard is on me. The dashboard flashed a little in June&Aug but in Sep: total blackout.

For 3 months now, I have bombarded local dealer with emails; an apalling story of managers and directors forgetting to answer me for over 2 wks, only then to tell me to contact their nextdoor colleague. And although the whole correspondence went cc to importer, they still hide in the shadows. The dealer now gave me an offer, a new dashboard&fitting for only 975 EUR=920 GBP! This would be a good joke if it weren't on me, must take a bank loan to survive. My Consumer Counsellor advised me to take to case to the national Consumer Disputes Board and demand all the costs with interest.

Has anybody else taken a similar case to a corresponding authority, and if so, what was the result? We really must make Renault admit that they are forcing their customers to pay for Renault's manufacturing faults in expensive parts, and later on the customers lose money again, when the value of these cars goes down. Seems that Renault Scénic factories only work on Mondays.

Tiina, December 2008

Have had this happen on two Scenics 2004 and 2003 models. Nothing to do with jump starting the car incorrectly. I was informed that it is a common fault with these cars and stems from a fault on the clock. When the clock fails it takes the whole dahboard with it. First symptoms are the dash going blank and then quickly restarting, then over a relatively short period happens more frequently until it goes permanently blank. You don't have to go through a Renault delaer, can be repaired for around £200, and is easy to remove and fit yourself.
Have had several other elctrical faults with the cars, such as both cars having the heater fan control burning out. Also a pain in the neck to change headlightss due to the lack of space under the bonnet. No plan to ever buy another Scenic.

DAJ., December 2010

I completely agree with Tiina. Since buying my Renault scenic in Jan 08 I have spent just over 2 grand on repairs, £600 of which was 'my contribution' to costs incurred when the steering wheel came off in my hands (I jest not) whilst on motorway slip road. My dashboard has now packed up and they are refusing to pay. What's next under the 'out of warranty, general wear and tear' label - doors falling off?
There must be somewhere we can all go to complain.

Els, July 2009

same problem as above have had car serviced first time with renault due another service which was going to get done at renault but might not now under 36000 miles 05 reg absolutely disgraceful. have had to pay for diagnostic with them before will do anything for me

disgruntled renault customer, March 2009

This seems to be quite a problem. Mine has started nisbehaving - new dash at a cost of £700 - not at a reanault dealer though! Before giving mechanic the go ahead I am taking it to the dealer for a diagnositc check - Rebault customer care told me that if I would like any help from them with the costs then it must have a diagnostic check - at my expense! It's too funny for words - thrid and last renault! Never again! Will let you know how I get on with Customer Service

Dave, January 2009

further thought,i as a renault dealer[im not]believe you must have jump started the car,using a slave battery,and done it incorrectley,thus damaging the dash electronics,we [renault] would have to strip and investigate at a approx cost of 500 pounds,payable by you upfront as a gesture of goodwill on your part.if we find any evidence of damage you would be liable for further costs,,,,blah blah blah

mutley, December 2008

no chance of payout,out of warranty,maintenance not adhered to,why would you dream you have a case.

mutley, December 2008