Renault Wind
Turbo version of the D4F — decent foundation, but real-world longevity is hit or miss. Oil consumption climbs from around 70,000 km, and timing belts have been known to let go well before the 120,000 km service window. Only worth buying with a complete service book; swapping the belt early at 80,000 km is cheap insurance.
Open Three-Cylinder
100 hp TCe in the open two-seater — light, direct steering, clever 12-second hardtop. More fun than many a coupe.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The D4Ft retains the timing belt like its naturally aspirated sibling, but it is subjected to greater stress from turbo oil mist and elevated temperatures. Shortened maintenance intervals are recommended.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stop, compression loss after belt failure
The turbocharged D4Ft has well-documented issues with increased oil consumption. The turbo bearing is never fully sealed; a defective shaft seal allows oil into the intake tract. Affected vehicles consume up to 1.5 litres of oil per 1,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, dropping oil level, oil on air filter housing
The wastegate valve on the D4Ft turbocharger wears at higher mileages. Symptoms are power loss and uneven boost build-up, especially in short-trip operation.
Symptoms: Power loss, no boost build-up, whistling noise from turbo area
The D4Ft also inherits the weakness of the Sagem ignition coils from the Renault era. In the turbocharged environment with heat and vibration, coils fail earlier than in the naturally aspirated version.
Symptoms: Cylinder misfires, rough running, power loss, exhaust discolouration
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The folding mechanism of the hardtop roof fails due to defective microswitches or hydraulic leaks. The roof can no longer fully open or close; repair requires special tools.
Window regulator motors fail and can often be traced back to a defective battery terminal or corrosion on the wiring. Windows get stuck or move jerkily.
On the Wind I, water enters through leaking roof and boot seals. The seatbelt roller and boot are often affected. The cause is difficult to locate as no leak is often detectable during targeted tests.
The microswitches in the electric folding roof mechanism of the Wind I fail frequently. The roof then no longer opens or closes, and the warning 'check roof' appears. Only emergency opening with a screwdriver remains possible.
On the Wind I, water enters through leaking roof and boot seals. The seatbelt roller and boot are often affected. The cause is difficult to locate as no leak is often detectable during targeted tests.
The folding mechanism of the hardtop roof fails due to defective microswitches or hydraulic leaks. The roof can no longer fully open or close; repair requires special tools.
Despite its sporty positioning, the Wind's interior uses budget plastics that show scratches and wear quickly.
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All Renault models Wind 1 overview