Renault 5 E-Tech
Renault's reinterpretation of the classic on the modern AmpR Small platform — 52 kWh NMC battery with liquid cooling, WLTP range around 400 km, real-world 320–370 km. Constructively new with limited long-term experience, but first reports very positive. Fast charging up to 100 kW.
Retro EV
106 hp in the new Renault 5 — charming retro design, lively response in town. The base version is solid, but the full experience comes with more power.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Renault carried out a technical measure on 15,722 Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290 vehicles worldwide in 2024 (1,730 in Germany) due to inverter problems. Affected vehicles of build year 2024 should be checked for outstanding recalls.
Symptoms: Fault message electric motor fault; vehicle no longer driveable; red warning tone and sudden power loss.
In the Renault Zoe (platform-related to the R5 E-Tech) electric motor bearing damage is known: humming noises from around 70 km/h, bearing replacement by a specialist workshop for €70–200. Still early for the R5-EV, but relevant as a platform risk.
Symptoms: Humming or buzzing from the drivetrain area increasing with speed; particularly audible between 70–120 km/h.
As a very new model (market launch 2024) the Renault 5 E-Tech shows typical early-production software teething troubles: OpenR Link system crashes, OTA update errors and sporadic fault messages.
Symptoms: Infotainment freezes, fault messages after updates, connectivity problems
Early reports indicate the typical Renault sensitivity to earthing faults on wallboxes. With poor earthing quality the vehicle refuses to charge.
Symptoms: Charging abort, charging refusal with certain wallboxes
Like all Renault EV models the rear disc brakes rust through predominantly regenerative braking and can seize. Preventable by occasional full brake applications.
Symptoms: Grinding noises from the rear, rusty brake disc, uneven braking
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Renault recalled 15,722 vehicles worldwide produced between September and December 2024. A faulty inverter can prevent the vehicle from starting.
Early production batches of the Renault 5 E-Tech (and Alpine A290) were recalled because a faulty inverter control unit can prevent the motor from starting. Renault replaced the affected component free of charge.
The Renault 5 E-Tech loses a conspicuous amount of charge when parked — up to 7% over 16 hours or 15% over three days. The cause appears to be active background systems or BMS miscalibration. Renault France has been notified.
The Renault 5 E-Tech loses up to 7% battery capacity while stationary in 16 hours through permanent background processes. Vehicles with active pre-conditioning and app connectivity are particularly affected.
The virtual assistant 'Reno' introduces itself on every restart, the sound system cuts out sporadically and voice control operates unreliably. Software updates should address the issues.
First owners report a charging flap that warps depending on weather and a dropped right-hand bonnet side. Wind noise at driver and passenger door has also been documented.
As with all modern electric vehicles braking is done primarily through regeneration. The mechanical brakes therefore rust quickly and should be cleaned regularly with full brake applications.
