Hi
I have an S-reg Renault Clio 1.2 RN which I bought from my grandfather-in-law last year. He bought it from a Renault dealer in Chelmsford, where it was serviced all the time he owned it, so it has a full official Renault service history. It now has just over 34K on the clock.
I recently filled the tank before setting off on a long trip. I did not overfill it, stopping as soon as the pump cut out. The car rested at a slight angle as I finished packing. When I came back out, petrol was literally pouring into the street - although it hadn't been doing so when I parked up only about 1/2 hour before. I called the AA, and the guy said it might be a valve or seal broken. The fuel stopped leaking after about a quarter of the tank had emptied. Since then I have not filled it above half full, and there have been no leaks.
I called Renault to get this fixed. After finding the local Renault dealer, they mentioned something about compensation if the fuel tank had to be replaced. When booking the car in, the dealer mentioned he had seen this before a couple of times and the whole tank had had to be replaced. Obviously the car is out of its warranty, but given its official service history, if the fuel tank does have to be replaced, should I be expected to pay the bill? Surely Renault have some responsibility, especially if it is due to a faulty tank design?
I'm not very mechanically-minded. Any advice much welcomed! Has anyone else had a similar experience?
|
|
I am not sure that the service schedule would have much to say about the fuel tank, beyond the usual "Check for leaks on all joints and hoses, brakes, radiator a/c etc" so a FSH may not be relevant. In any event is the tank not moulded plastic rather than metal? It means they can form them into odd shapes that they couldn't make in metal and thus get more fuel into the car and there isn't a corrosion problem. Goof luck though!
|
Thanks for your posting. The point of mentioning the FSH is to show that Renault can't claim poor maintenance or whatever - the car has been maintained according to their recommendations and by their own approved agents.
I'm sure the tank is plastic, but plastic can split or crack. I was wondering if anyone had encountered this problem with a Clio, i.e. is it a design fault? If it is a design fault then Renault surely morally have a duty to replace it free of charge. Also its a safety issue - leaking petrol isn't a fun prospect when you're driving a car with a hot cat and exhaust.
It may just be a seal problem - the car is being looked at as I post this - but I don't think that a (just) 4 year old car with 34K on the clock and a FSH should have a fuel leak problem. However seeing some of the other stories on the site, perhaps I should be grateful!
Thanks again
|
|
CC. Apologies if you thought my posting was a bit sarcastic or badly phrased. I was just trying to be the Devils Advocate ie thinking like some suit in Renault HQ dealing with your claim. GooD luck, not goof luck as previously mistyped!
|
Armitage Shanks - sorry, no offence meant on my part. Probably letting my frustration with Renault show ;-)
Situation update:
Have now heard from Renault garage. New fuel tank needed, as the lock ring is out of position/was badly fitted, the tank has buckled under the weight of the fuel, and consequently the seal has gone. The mechanic said that there is no way that I could have done anything which might have caused this. Fitting the new tank is costing me just over £400. The part number has changed, suggesting to me that Renault has identified a design fault and corrected it. The garage now has to supply details to Renault France, who will decide if they will give me any compensation. Apparently a FSH, age of car and mileage are all used in determining the amount. If I didn't say so before, it's an S-Reg from August 98 with just over 34k on the clock.
CC
|
Situation update:
Was told Renault France said no compensation to be paid due to the car's age (car delivered 28/8/98). Total cost £440.
Unleashed my secret weapon - my wife - who once had the whole of Selfridges wedding list dept hiding from her after they ballsed up our wedding list - but that's another story.
After a couple of calls to Renault customer care in the UK, they agreed to pay 50% of the cost.
Since this first happened, I have heard of 3 other people who had a similar experience with their Clio fuel tanks. As the part number has now changed, I think this should no longer be a problem for recent Clios, but if anyone's thinking of buying one, be warned. Having said that, overall I am happy with the car.
CC
|
|
|
![2020 Volvo XC40 1.5 T3 [163] R DESIGN 5dr Geartronic](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/url/crop/90x60/https/cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/1b16116396d0b312283b02f93237cd3c/c87fc4b8ce5101249a3cde27b267564a.jpg)
![2022 Lexus UX 250h 2.0 F-Sport 5dr CVT [Nav]](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/url/crop/90x60/https/cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/d101df1f5a719962f6c9d4390377aefb/648266b4c19e3e68057528fd5c3816ba.jpg)
