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Renault · Supermini · 2012–2024 Custom Search

Renault ZOE 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

108 PS

ZOE · Elektro

City Flier on Electrons

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

88 PS

Elektro 65kW Elektro

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Renault ZOE 1 is available with 2 engine variants — from 88 to 136 hp.

Elektro 65kW · Electric· 88 PS
2012 2019

First ZOE generation with 41 kWh battery and up to 300 km WLTP range — real-world significantly less in winter conditions (200–230 km). Older battery rental model should have been switched to battery ownership at time of purchase. Constructively reliable city car; charging compatibility with some CCS fast chargers can be problematic.

  • !! Inverter/PEB failure (Power Electronics Block) from 70,000 km

    The Power Electronics Block (PEB/inverter) of the ZOE is a known and expensive weak point. Complete failure with 'STOP Electric motor fault' message. Repair cost approx. 4,100 €; Renault shows goodwill of up to 70% outside warranty.

    Symptoms: Motor stop warning, reduced recuperation (11 instead of 40 kW), loss of drive
    3,000–5,000 $
    Ad ZOE InverterRenault ZOE PEBZOE Power Electronics Block
  • !! Chameleon on-board charger (OBC) failure from 80,000 km

    The ZOE's integrated Chameleon on-board charger (OBC) is known to be sensitive to grid interference and fails. OBC failure renders the car unusable. Replacement costs approx. 5,000 €, lead times often long.

    Symptoms: Charge session aborts after a few seconds, 'Charging impossible' error, no charging possible at all
    3,000–6,000 $
    Ad ZOE OBC chargerRenault ZOE ChargerZOE Chameleon Charger Defekt
  • !! Battery capacity loss with age from 80,000 km

    The ZOE's traction battery loses approx. 2% capacity per year. Older Phase-1 ZOEs have significantly reduced range. With leased batteries Renault carries the capacity risk — with purchased batteries the owner does.

    Symptoms: Range drops noticeably, BMS shows lower SoH, charging speed decreases
    4,000–10,000 $
    Ad ZOE battery pack capacityRenault ZOE Battery HealthZOE battery replacement

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Elektro 80kW · Electric· 108 PS
2018 2024

Improved ZOE drivetrain with better efficiency — measurably more efficient than the R90 with the same battery. Real-world range 270–310 km in mixed use; known charging issues with certain fast chargers. More recommendable than the R90 for frequent long-distance trips.

  • !! Inverter/PEB failure (Power Electronics Block) from 70,000 km

    The Power Electronics Block (PEB/inverter) of the ZOE is a known and expensive weak point. Complete failure with 'STOP Electric motor fault' message. Repair cost approx. 4,100 €; Renault shows goodwill of up to 70% outside warranty.

    Symptoms: Motor stop warning, reduced recuperation (11 instead of 40 kW), loss of drive
    3,000–5,000 $
    Ad ZOE InverterRenault ZOE PEBZOE Power Electronics Block
  • !! Chameleon on-board charger (OBC) failure from 80,000 km

    The ZOE's integrated Chameleon on-board charger (OBC) is known to be sensitive to grid interference and fails. OBC failure renders the car unusable. Replacement costs approx. 5,000 €, lead times often long.

    Symptoms: Charge session aborts after a few seconds, 'Charging impossible' error, no charging possible at all
    3,000–6,000 $
    Ad ZOE OBC chargerRenault ZOE ChargerZOE Chameleon Charger Defekt
  • !! Battery capacity loss with age from 80,000 km

    The ZOE's traction battery loses approx. 2% capacity per year. Older Phase-1 ZOEs have significantly reduced range. With leased batteries Renault carries the capacity risk — with purchased batteries the owner does.

    Symptoms: Range drops noticeably, BMS shows lower SoH, charging speed decreases
    4,000–10,000 $
    Ad ZOE battery pack capacityRenault ZOE Battery HealthZOE battery replacement

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!High-voltage battery degradation

The ZOE battery loses on average about 2% capacity per year. On early Z.E. 40 models, increased battery problems with loss of regeneration function were documented.

Symptoms: Noticeably shorter range, charge warning earlier than expected, regeneration deactivated
Ad ZOE battery replacementHV battery pack Renault ZOEbattery Z.E. 40
 High
!Chameleon on-board charger fault-prone

The on-board Chameleon charger is highly sensitive to grid interference from industrial sites, ripple control signals or passing trains and aborts the charging session. Wallbox earthing must be perfect.

Symptoms: Charging stops after a few seconds, charge flap locks, orange blinking at the charge port
from 30,000 km
Ad charger ZOEChamäleon Charger RenaultLadeeinheit ZOE
 High
!12V auxiliary battery failing early

The 12V auxiliary battery for vehicle electronics needs replacing after only 40,000–50,000 km. A flat 12V battery also prevents the HV system from powering up.

Symptoms: Vehicle won't power up, 12V supply fault message, various warning lights
from 45,000 km
Ad 12V battery ZOEHilfsbatterie Renault ZOE
 Low
!Chameleon charger sensitive to grid interference

The ZOE's integrated Chameleon charger aborts charging sessions at the slightest grid interference from industrial equipment, solar installations or rail operations. ZE40 models with the larger battery are more susceptible than earlier variants.

Symptoms: Charging session aborts unexpectedly, error message "Battery charging impossible", repeated reconnection required
Ad Renault ZOE LadesteuerungRenault ZOE Charger Board
 High
●Door handles break or jam

Exterior door handles break or jam from as early as 20,000 km. The problem is well-known and occurs more frequently on Phase-1 models.

Symptoms: Door handle does not release, snaps off, door difficult to open
from 25,000 km
Ad doorgriff ZOE außendoorgriff Renault ZOE
 Low

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD TÜV-Report

Below average

The front axle carried over from another model is not designed for the vehicle weight and is flagged far more frequently from the second MOT onwards. Tie rods, control arms and ball joints are affected. Foot brake effectiveness fails to meet requirements significantly more often than the average.

2024-11

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 23 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault ZOE 1 (2012–2024) — 15 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: ZOE-R90 (Elektro 65kW), ZOE-R110 (Elektro 80kW), ZOE-R135 (Elektro 100kW). Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, Suspension.

ZOE (ZOE-R90, 2012–2019) — Stay Away!: Inverter/PEB failure (Power Electronics Block), Chameleon on-board charger (OBC) failure, Battery capacity loss with age. Power: 88 PS.

ZOE (ZOE-R110, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Inverter/PEB failure (Power Electronics Block), Chameleon on-board charger (OBC) failure, Battery capacity loss with age. Power: 108 PS.

ZOE (ZOE-R135, 2019–2024) — Stay Away!: Inverter/PEB failure (Power Electronics Block), Chameleon on-board charger (OBC) failure, Battery capacity loss with age. Power: 135 PS.

What to watch out for with the Renault ZOE? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Renault ZOE 1 have? +
The Renault ZOE 1 has 15 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Renault ZOE 1? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the ZOE-R110 (Elektro 80kW). Problem engine: ZOE-R90 (Elektro 65kW) — stay away!
Which Renault ZOE 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Renault ZOE 1 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 109 hp with 225 Nm — barely touchable off the line. The instant torque surge makes city driving a pleasure.
Is the Renault ZOE 1 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Renault ZOE 1 — 3 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault ZOE 1? +
The Renault ZOE 1 is available with engine variants from 88 to 136 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee