Hambly88
New Member
i am currently studying at swansea metropolitan university 2nd year HND Automotive Engineering. As part of of my course criteria is to construct a project, my project choice was to investigate mark 2 clio bonnet failure and its effects.
Purpose of the project
the purpose of the project is to afford experience in:-
First i set out to gather information to prove my point! This issue affects all Renault clio mark-2 from 1997-up to 2005!
Useful links
Clio Action Group | Google Groups
BBC Watchdog report :: Faulty Renault Clio bonnet catches - RenaultForums :: Independent Renault forum
RenaultForums :: Independent Renault forum
Clio Bonnet Catch Failures – Key Steps - RenaultForums :: Independent Renault forum
Unfortunately, Renault don't want to budge from their "customer is wrong" line, but feel they are slowly are taking a stronger line, by means of 'free inspection invitations' for owners to visit the Renault dealerships.
Steps to take if you have been affected.
Contact Renault Customer ServicesRenault, as a responsible manufacturer, want to know when a bonnet flies open on one of their vehicles. It is not clear what they do with this information - but they do want to know. Renault Customer Services can be contacted on 0800 072 3372. As an indication of how seriously Renault take this recurrence, expect to be passed to a Customer Services Manager. The Customer Services Managers that tend to deal with Clio cases are:
Nicky Glasscott
Alex Phelan
Dan Hawkes
They are extremely helpful, they tend to ask four questions:
Was anybody hurt in the accident?
When did you last open the bonnet?
Have you maintained the bonnet catch mechanism?
Have you received your 'reassurance letter'?
* a reassurance letter is a way of inviting you for a free service to attend to a part that 'isn't defective', but goes wrong because the silly owners forget to maintain, in this the bonnet catch mechanism. It even helps you by providing you with a new page for your vehicle handbook, so you don't forget again! The reasurrance letter looks like this: reassurance letter. The benefits of using a reassurance letter (if you are a manufacturer) are that it is not a formal recall, and you don't have to notify other countries in the EU via RapEx (EU Rapid Exchange System - see here) that you have a dangerous product on the market - unlike a formal recall.
Our members have found they are informed Renault do not accept liability for the this common occurence, and instead offer you two helpful pointers: (1) you probably did not close the bonnet correctly and/or (2) had not maintained the latch correctly. Expect to be told to contact your insurance company to arrange for the car to be fixed.
Important - offer Renault the change to perform an engineers report on your vehicle. If it gets to court, Renault have been statying they were not offered the opportunity to examine the vehicle.
If the above is different from your experience, contact the group and it will be updated.
2. Tell this group about your experience
Send an email to the group - we would love to hear from you, and advise on steps to move forward. We have a mechanism for capturing data - so please complete this questionnaire: here
We are collating information to gather how many people this has happened to, the average cost to the individual, and who is picking up the bill.
3. Tell BBC Watchdog
Watchdog regularly feature this problem on their show. Make sure they realise the problem hasn't gone away. They have stated on air they receive about 6 new incidents a week - make sure you are included in this figure as it could be more. Watchdog can be contacted on [email protected]. Watchdog don't have time to reply to everyone - but they are keeping an eye on the situation.
4. Tell VOSA if you are not happy with the situation
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) are the government agency responsible for ensuring the roadworthiness standards of vehicles. This included recalls and MOTs. VOSA was formed on April 1st 2003, you'll know this date as April Fools Day - some of our members think this is fitting. VOSA and Renault stand united on the issues of bonnets flying open on Clios - in fact - they often use the same language, even the same sentences in the same order - we don't know who writes them though!).
VOSA can enforce a recall, but have chosen not to on this occasion. VOSA are confident there is no safety defect, because they looked at three Clios in a car park, and there was nothing wrong with any of them. At this point, VOSA noted "the bonnet catch and release mechanism is a non-servicable item.", however have concluded that failures in bonnets are due to the failure to maintain this part. Why not read this report for yourself VOSA Report - 28th April 2006.pdf.
VOSA, to make sure they had not made a mistake, they looked at three more Clios. By now, they were so confident in their original findings, they didn't document their findings!! In case you are surprised by this, don't worry - it's VOSA standard practice not document investigations. This is because they are ad hoc examinations. They also looked at 10 Clios randomly - again ad hoc, so no need to write anything down. By now, VOSA engineers have probably stumbled on more Clios randomly, so expect a different number if you ask VOSA the number of checks they have completed.
One of our members even told us how he thought a sensible step would be to examine the metal which corrudes. VOSA told him that they didn't have the expertise to do this, but if they gave him £600 would he be able to arrange it?
To make sure they had not missed anything in their random approach to engineering, senior delegates from VOSA have watched a video produced by Renault - which proves that this occurence is down to maintenance. They watched it several times to make sure. Read about the VOSA investigation VOSA Investigation.pdf.
Read the latest position from VOSA on Renault Clios, sent in a Briefing Note to the Department for Transport. Note how the VOSA Briefing Note states that VOSA have been informed that Clio owners should have received their Reassurance Letter by now.
If you have not received your Reassurance Letter, why not send a letter to VOSA, Renault and Jim Fitzpatrick - Minister for Road Safety telling them this - at the moment they believe all Clio owners have been warned. They can be contacted at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
and CC [email protected]
Please CC the Clio Action group if you send this mail, and I'll get your email on as a template example for others to use.
Read the latest government viewpoint on this at: Number10.gov.uk » faultycliobonnet - epetition response
RENAULT UK RESPONSE TO CLIO II BONNET INCIDENTS
Renault is a responsible manufacturer and takes the safety of its customers extremely seriously.
Renault has investigated the cause of these incidents and worked with all the relevant authorities. No design or construction defect has been found. The bonnet catch mechanism of the Clio II is safe, reliable and fit for purpose providing the vehicle is maintained correctly and the bonnet is closed as prescribed.
We have also produced an instructional video explaining maintenance for Clio II and Campus which can be found on our website, Renault UK - Renault UK - general error.
As part of our work with the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (V.O.S.A.) and with a view to ensuring that communication on this issue is as broad as possible, Renault has undertaken to issue a second mailing by recorded delivery stating it is very important that owners make an appointment to visit their Renault dealership for the bonnet catch mechanism to be checked and, if necessary, replaced free-of-charge.
Clio Bonnet Catch Failures – Key Steps
________________________________________
If you are one of the unfortunate Renault Clio (Mark-2) drivers who have experienced an infamous sudden "bonnet-release" incident, here are a number of steps that we recommended you should undertake:
1. Report the Incident to your Insurance Company
2. Report the Incident to Renault UK
3. Report the Incident to Vehicle and Operators Services Agency (VOSA)
4. Obtain an Independent Inspection Report
5. Report the Incident to BBC Watchdog
6. Report the Incident to the Local Council Trading Standards
7. Report the Incident to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
8. Document Any Costs Incurred
******************
Renault Clio Bonnets Again
(Fri 30 Mar 07)
Former Renault employee Graham Holt has caused a major stir by accusing the company of putting its customers' lives in danger.
He did this during an interview on the BBC's Watchdog programme, when the subject was reports of failure in the bonnet catch mechanism of the Clio II (now replaced by the current model, but still on sale as the Clio Campus). Renault has said that the catches can fail either because they have not been properly maintained, or because owners do not shut the bonnet properly. Holt says the problem is one of corrosion, and that "I absolutely think this is a design fault because it's only something that affects this particular car.
Renault's response to that is that "Graeme Holt has no accredited technical expertise with which to make such a claim. The bonnet catch mechanism of the Clio II is safe, reliable and fit for purpose providing the vehicle is maintained correctly and the bonnet is closed as prescribed. This issue is a maintenance issue pure and simple."
Graeme Holt, who is very far from being flavour of the month in the Renault press office right now, recently retired as Press Relations Manager after 12 years with the company to concentrate on his property career.
I created a questionaire for the purpose of the project;
First Name:
Surname: (not to be displayed)
Email address
How have you been affected by the Clio Bonnet issue?
How have you been affected by the Clio Bonnet issue?
I was driving my own car and the bonnet flew open
I was driving someone else's car when the bonnet flew open
I was a passenger when the bonnet flew open
It has happened to a friend or relative of mine
Other (please specify)
Approximately what speed were you travelling?
Did you receive any injuries in the incident?
Yes No
What was the year of registration of the vehicle involved?
What date did the incident occur (if known)?
DD MM YYYY
Have you received the 'Reassurance Letter' from Renault?
Yes
No
Did you report to Renault?
Yes No
If so what date reported to Renault?
DD MM YYYY
What was the response from Renault (try to be brief)?
Were you aware that VOSA an enquiry?
Yes
No
Who paid for the damage - and how much? (Tip; put excess as 'me' box)?
Me
Insurance
Renault dealership
Renault UK
Would you or have you begun court proceedings, if so, please indicate what stage you are at, and which law you are pursuing Renault under?
Do you think the renault clio mark 2 but benfit from having a new retro fit bonnet catch that wont fail?
YES
NO
Actually there are 000's of UK Clio Mark-2 Owners that have experienced this issue.
I have led a campaign complaining all the way to the top - to Renault UK and Renault France - both sides counter any claims that this is a manufacturing, design or safety defect - instead accusing us meremortal owners of "not closing the bonnet correctly" or "not maintaining the bonnet catches".
I will cut to the chase....Renault are 100% liable for the root-cause of the issue, the parts that were designed as maintenance-free are not longer this (confirmed by Renault themselves - and their actions have proved this - as the Renault UK dealerships have been told to inspect, maintain and replace the parts if any sign of corrosion is present!!) They are not able to accept liability due to the costs of a global recall of this popular model!
The issue affects ALL Renault Mark-2 from 1997-up to 2005! That's a lot of vehicles. We have also heard reports of Lagunas and other models experiencing a similar bonnet catch failure!
Well lets put a different perspective if a part is designed to be "maintenance-free" and subsequently requires maintenance - methinks this indicates a design or manufacturing error (and therefore defect). More importantly, the liability of the "maintenance" of the bonnet-catch mechanism is down to Renault...can you see why they are trying to distant themselves from the issue - because they would be liable for any death, injury or damage caused by such bonnet-release incidents!
Actually Watchdog has the details of over 1500 Clio's who have experienced this incident.
If a safety catch fails - then regardless of the state of maintenance, this means the part is defective - and not designed or fit for purpose.
All I can say is out of the 520k vehicles on the Uk roads (not to mention the millions globally) - this particular model of vehicle, and bonnet catch mechanism has proven to have a high risk of failure!
Don't be fooled in the Renault-spin - there has NOT BEEN A RECALL. They have notified owners of the risk and reassured them that if they are concerned they can come in for an inspection. This is not a formal nor correct process for a manufacturing recall.
it's interesting to hear the claims. I have just looked on the BBC Watchdog website, and note that a trading standards officer has only managed to get 200 signitures for her petition to VOSA on this issue.
According to Watchdog, Renault wrote to 500,000 Clio owners last year, advising them to get the catch checked, and if needed, replaced free of charge. Now obviously, it will be difficult to contact every owner of a second hand car.
It must also be noted that, as usual, there are two catches on the Clio, and for the bonnet to fly up, either both have to be faulty, or the bonnet was not closed properly, so that one catch was never engaged.
Closing the bonnet properly MUST be the owner's sole responsibility.
I don't know where it stated specifically that the Clio catch was maintenance free, I can't see it in our handbook. As far as I am concerned, bonnet catches are on a par with door catches and hinges, all of which should be lubricated once in a while.
Renault are quoted as saying
the Clio II's bonnet catch is safe, and fit for purpose, provided it's maintained correctly and the bonnet is properly closed. But they'll now be sending out a second letter - recorded delivery this time - stating it's very important that owners get their bonnet catch checked, and if necessary replaced, free of charge.
OK, technically that's not a recall, but it's very close to the same thing.
Strangely enough, the driver's handbook doesn't tell you to apply the brakes if the car in front stops, but you do tend to do this without futher prompting.
It's beginning to look as if some Clio owners are on a par with the Winnebago owner who switched on the cruise control, then went into the back to make some coffee. He sued the manufacturers when it rolled into a ditch.
1) What was the problem with the mark2 bonnet catch?
The mechanism is prone to failing, and not engaging accurately in 100% of use. I.e. there is a risk that the bonnet may release itself without warning...
2) why was it failing?
a) Lack of maintenance is the Renault line or b) incorrect closure / checks. However, on a) we have indicated that maintenance is not the only impact here, as a safety mechanism should be operational regardless of its condition...the maintenance of a bonnet catch is the servicing engineers responsibility, but as it wasn't only a maintenance schedule meant dealers weren't checking this. In one reported case, a car which was closed by a Renault engineer during servicing experienced this "issue"!
3) What was Renault solution to the problem?
Bury their heads in the sand and hoped the problem went away. We have, of course, counter this approach by the publication and communication of the reported cases (not "unique" as Renault wanted us to believe!). It is also a safety issue, though maintenance issues doesn't seem to require a "recall" under the VOSA guidelines...even though this is a safety mechanism that is causing the issue...hmmm...don't get us started on this - issue with VOSA's guidelines and approach of said issues!
4) And finally have there been any alternative ideas to Renault’s solution?
Yes on the Renault forum, Andy-Tech (alias name) outlined some alternative suggestions. Watchdogs own investigations have outlined alternatively approaches - all seem to imply an issue with the inferior quality of the parts and mechanism itself...Renault decided to eventually "voluntarily" recommend that customers visit their dealership and for them to look at the mechanism, and replace it if it is corroded. Note: why change something if it is not at fault or causing the problem?
In short, the evidence, manner of the recall and approach by VOSA are all questionable. There is no "formal recall" recorded (because Renault would have to register this across Europe - on the RAPEX system) - so it’s a farce!
Purpose of the project
the purpose of the project is to afford experience in:-
- The design and planning of experiments
- The design,construction and operation of equipmentand/or numerical models
- The critical interpretation of results
- the use of technical and scientific literature
- Report writing
First i set out to gather information to prove my point! This issue affects all Renault clio mark-2 from 1997-up to 2005!
Useful links
Clio Action Group | Google Groups
BBC Watchdog report :: Faulty Renault Clio bonnet catches - RenaultForums :: Independent Renault forum
RenaultForums :: Independent Renault forum
Clio Bonnet Catch Failures – Key Steps - RenaultForums :: Independent Renault forum
Unfortunately, Renault don't want to budge from their "customer is wrong" line, but feel they are slowly are taking a stronger line, by means of 'free inspection invitations' for owners to visit the Renault dealerships.
Steps to take if you have been affected.
Contact Renault Customer ServicesRenault, as a responsible manufacturer, want to know when a bonnet flies open on one of their vehicles. It is not clear what they do with this information - but they do want to know. Renault Customer Services can be contacted on 0800 072 3372. As an indication of how seriously Renault take this recurrence, expect to be passed to a Customer Services Manager. The Customer Services Managers that tend to deal with Clio cases are:
Nicky Glasscott
Alex Phelan
Dan Hawkes
They are extremely helpful, they tend to ask four questions:
Was anybody hurt in the accident?
When did you last open the bonnet?
Have you maintained the bonnet catch mechanism?
Have you received your 'reassurance letter'?
* a reassurance letter is a way of inviting you for a free service to attend to a part that 'isn't defective', but goes wrong because the silly owners forget to maintain, in this the bonnet catch mechanism. It even helps you by providing you with a new page for your vehicle handbook, so you don't forget again! The reasurrance letter looks like this: reassurance letter. The benefits of using a reassurance letter (if you are a manufacturer) are that it is not a formal recall, and you don't have to notify other countries in the EU via RapEx (EU Rapid Exchange System - see here) that you have a dangerous product on the market - unlike a formal recall.
Our members have found they are informed Renault do not accept liability for the this common occurence, and instead offer you two helpful pointers: (1) you probably did not close the bonnet correctly and/or (2) had not maintained the latch correctly. Expect to be told to contact your insurance company to arrange for the car to be fixed.
Important - offer Renault the change to perform an engineers report on your vehicle. If it gets to court, Renault have been statying they were not offered the opportunity to examine the vehicle.
If the above is different from your experience, contact the group and it will be updated.
2. Tell this group about your experience
Send an email to the group - we would love to hear from you, and advise on steps to move forward. We have a mechanism for capturing data - so please complete this questionnaire: here
We are collating information to gather how many people this has happened to, the average cost to the individual, and who is picking up the bill.
3. Tell BBC Watchdog
Watchdog regularly feature this problem on their show. Make sure they realise the problem hasn't gone away. They have stated on air they receive about 6 new incidents a week - make sure you are included in this figure as it could be more. Watchdog can be contacted on [email protected]. Watchdog don't have time to reply to everyone - but they are keeping an eye on the situation.
4. Tell VOSA if you are not happy with the situation
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) are the government agency responsible for ensuring the roadworthiness standards of vehicles. This included recalls and MOTs. VOSA was formed on April 1st 2003, you'll know this date as April Fools Day - some of our members think this is fitting. VOSA and Renault stand united on the issues of bonnets flying open on Clios - in fact - they often use the same language, even the same sentences in the same order - we don't know who writes them though!).
VOSA can enforce a recall, but have chosen not to on this occasion. VOSA are confident there is no safety defect, because they looked at three Clios in a car park, and there was nothing wrong with any of them. At this point, VOSA noted "the bonnet catch and release mechanism is a non-servicable item.", however have concluded that failures in bonnets are due to the failure to maintain this part. Why not read this report for yourself VOSA Report - 28th April 2006.pdf.
VOSA, to make sure they had not made a mistake, they looked at three more Clios. By now, they were so confident in their original findings, they didn't document their findings!! In case you are surprised by this, don't worry - it's VOSA standard practice not document investigations. This is because they are ad hoc examinations. They also looked at 10 Clios randomly - again ad hoc, so no need to write anything down. By now, VOSA engineers have probably stumbled on more Clios randomly, so expect a different number if you ask VOSA the number of checks they have completed.
One of our members even told us how he thought a sensible step would be to examine the metal which corrudes. VOSA told him that they didn't have the expertise to do this, but if they gave him £600 would he be able to arrange it?
To make sure they had not missed anything in their random approach to engineering, senior delegates from VOSA have watched a video produced by Renault - which proves that this occurence is down to maintenance. They watched it several times to make sure. Read about the VOSA investigation VOSA Investigation.pdf.
Read the latest position from VOSA on Renault Clios, sent in a Briefing Note to the Department for Transport. Note how the VOSA Briefing Note states that VOSA have been informed that Clio owners should have received their Reassurance Letter by now.
If you have not received your Reassurance Letter, why not send a letter to VOSA, Renault and Jim Fitzpatrick - Minister for Road Safety telling them this - at the moment they believe all Clio owners have been warned. They can be contacted at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
and CC [email protected]
Please CC the Clio Action group if you send this mail, and I'll get your email on as a template example for others to use.
Read the latest government viewpoint on this at: Number10.gov.uk » faultycliobonnet - epetition response
RENAULT UK RESPONSE TO CLIO II BONNET INCIDENTS
Renault is a responsible manufacturer and takes the safety of its customers extremely seriously.
Renault has investigated the cause of these incidents and worked with all the relevant authorities. No design or construction defect has been found. The bonnet catch mechanism of the Clio II is safe, reliable and fit for purpose providing the vehicle is maintained correctly and the bonnet is closed as prescribed.
We have also produced an instructional video explaining maintenance for Clio II and Campus which can be found on our website, Renault UK - Renault UK - general error.
As part of our work with the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (V.O.S.A.) and with a view to ensuring that communication on this issue is as broad as possible, Renault has undertaken to issue a second mailing by recorded delivery stating it is very important that owners make an appointment to visit their Renault dealership for the bonnet catch mechanism to be checked and, if necessary, replaced free-of-charge.
Clio Bonnet Catch Failures – Key Steps
________________________________________
If you are one of the unfortunate Renault Clio (Mark-2) drivers who have experienced an infamous sudden "bonnet-release" incident, here are a number of steps that we recommended you should undertake:
1. Report the Incident to your Insurance Company
2. Report the Incident to Renault UK
3. Report the Incident to Vehicle and Operators Services Agency (VOSA)
4. Obtain an Independent Inspection Report
5. Report the Incident to BBC Watchdog
6. Report the Incident to the Local Council Trading Standards
7. Report the Incident to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
8. Document Any Costs Incurred
******************
Renault Clio Bonnets Again
(Fri 30 Mar 07)
Former Renault employee Graham Holt has caused a major stir by accusing the company of putting its customers' lives in danger.
He did this during an interview on the BBC's Watchdog programme, when the subject was reports of failure in the bonnet catch mechanism of the Clio II (now replaced by the current model, but still on sale as the Clio Campus). Renault has said that the catches can fail either because they have not been properly maintained, or because owners do not shut the bonnet properly. Holt says the problem is one of corrosion, and that "I absolutely think this is a design fault because it's only something that affects this particular car.
Renault's response to that is that "Graeme Holt has no accredited technical expertise with which to make such a claim. The bonnet catch mechanism of the Clio II is safe, reliable and fit for purpose providing the vehicle is maintained correctly and the bonnet is closed as prescribed. This issue is a maintenance issue pure and simple."
Graeme Holt, who is very far from being flavour of the month in the Renault press office right now, recently retired as Press Relations Manager after 12 years with the company to concentrate on his property career.
I created a questionaire for the purpose of the project;
First Name:
Surname: (not to be displayed)
Email address
How have you been affected by the Clio Bonnet issue?
How have you been affected by the Clio Bonnet issue?
I was driving my own car and the bonnet flew open
I was driving someone else's car when the bonnet flew open
I was a passenger when the bonnet flew open
It has happened to a friend or relative of mine
Other (please specify)
Approximately what speed were you travelling?
Did you receive any injuries in the incident?
Yes No
What was the year of registration of the vehicle involved?
What date did the incident occur (if known)?
DD MM YYYY
Have you received the 'Reassurance Letter' from Renault?
Yes
No
Did you report to Renault?
Yes No
If so what date reported to Renault?
DD MM YYYY
What was the response from Renault (try to be brief)?
Were you aware that VOSA an enquiry?
Yes
No
Who paid for the damage - and how much? (Tip; put excess as 'me' box)?
Me
Insurance
Renault dealership
Renault UK
Would you or have you begun court proceedings, if so, please indicate what stage you are at, and which law you are pursuing Renault under?
Do you think the renault clio mark 2 but benfit from having a new retro fit bonnet catch that wont fail?
YES
NO
Actually there are 000's of UK Clio Mark-2 Owners that have experienced this issue.
I have led a campaign complaining all the way to the top - to Renault UK and Renault France - both sides counter any claims that this is a manufacturing, design or safety defect - instead accusing us meremortal owners of "not closing the bonnet correctly" or "not maintaining the bonnet catches".
I will cut to the chase....Renault are 100% liable for the root-cause of the issue, the parts that were designed as maintenance-free are not longer this (confirmed by Renault themselves - and their actions have proved this - as the Renault UK dealerships have been told to inspect, maintain and replace the parts if any sign of corrosion is present!!) They are not able to accept liability due to the costs of a global recall of this popular model!
The issue affects ALL Renault Mark-2 from 1997-up to 2005! That's a lot of vehicles. We have also heard reports of Lagunas and other models experiencing a similar bonnet catch failure!
Well lets put a different perspective if a part is designed to be "maintenance-free" and subsequently requires maintenance - methinks this indicates a design or manufacturing error (and therefore defect). More importantly, the liability of the "maintenance" of the bonnet-catch mechanism is down to Renault...can you see why they are trying to distant themselves from the issue - because they would be liable for any death, injury or damage caused by such bonnet-release incidents!
Actually Watchdog has the details of over 1500 Clio's who have experienced this incident.
If a safety catch fails - then regardless of the state of maintenance, this means the part is defective - and not designed or fit for purpose.
All I can say is out of the 520k vehicles on the Uk roads (not to mention the millions globally) - this particular model of vehicle, and bonnet catch mechanism has proven to have a high risk of failure!
Don't be fooled in the Renault-spin - there has NOT BEEN A RECALL. They have notified owners of the risk and reassured them that if they are concerned they can come in for an inspection. This is not a formal nor correct process for a manufacturing recall.
it's interesting to hear the claims. I have just looked on the BBC Watchdog website, and note that a trading standards officer has only managed to get 200 signitures for her petition to VOSA on this issue.
According to Watchdog, Renault wrote to 500,000 Clio owners last year, advising them to get the catch checked, and if needed, replaced free of charge. Now obviously, it will be difficult to contact every owner of a second hand car.
It must also be noted that, as usual, there are two catches on the Clio, and for the bonnet to fly up, either both have to be faulty, or the bonnet was not closed properly, so that one catch was never engaged.
Closing the bonnet properly MUST be the owner's sole responsibility.
I don't know where it stated specifically that the Clio catch was maintenance free, I can't see it in our handbook. As far as I am concerned, bonnet catches are on a par with door catches and hinges, all of which should be lubricated once in a while.
Renault are quoted as saying
the Clio II's bonnet catch is safe, and fit for purpose, provided it's maintained correctly and the bonnet is properly closed. But they'll now be sending out a second letter - recorded delivery this time - stating it's very important that owners get their bonnet catch checked, and if necessary replaced, free of charge.
OK, technically that's not a recall, but it's very close to the same thing.
Strangely enough, the driver's handbook doesn't tell you to apply the brakes if the car in front stops, but you do tend to do this without futher prompting.
It's beginning to look as if some Clio owners are on a par with the Winnebago owner who switched on the cruise control, then went into the back to make some coffee. He sued the manufacturers when it rolled into a ditch.
1) What was the problem with the mark2 bonnet catch?
The mechanism is prone to failing, and not engaging accurately in 100% of use. I.e. there is a risk that the bonnet may release itself without warning...
2) why was it failing?
a) Lack of maintenance is the Renault line or b) incorrect closure / checks. However, on a) we have indicated that maintenance is not the only impact here, as a safety mechanism should be operational regardless of its condition...the maintenance of a bonnet catch is the servicing engineers responsibility, but as it wasn't only a maintenance schedule meant dealers weren't checking this. In one reported case, a car which was closed by a Renault engineer during servicing experienced this "issue"!
3) What was Renault solution to the problem?
Bury their heads in the sand and hoped the problem went away. We have, of course, counter this approach by the publication and communication of the reported cases (not "unique" as Renault wanted us to believe!). It is also a safety issue, though maintenance issues doesn't seem to require a "recall" under the VOSA guidelines...even though this is a safety mechanism that is causing the issue...hmmm...don't get us started on this - issue with VOSA's guidelines and approach of said issues!
4) And finally have there been any alternative ideas to Renault’s solution?
Yes on the Renault forum, Andy-Tech (alias name) outlined some alternative suggestions. Watchdogs own investigations have outlined alternatively approaches - all seem to imply an issue with the inferior quality of the parts and mechanism itself...Renault decided to eventually "voluntarily" recommend that customers visit their dealership and for them to look at the mechanism, and replace it if it is corroded. Note: why change something if it is not at fault or causing the problem?
In short, the evidence, manner of the recall and approach by VOSA are all questionable. There is no "formal recall" recorded (because Renault would have to register this across Europe - on the RAPEX system) - so it’s a farce!
Last edited by a moderator:
