Photo: Corvettec6r, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
3 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.
3 known faults
The 12 V auxiliary battery, located behind the front bumper, is cited as a weak point: Autocar advises replacing it at least every three years. When discharged, it can prevent the car from starting and switch off the dashboard (Renault Twizy Info forum), or prevent the handbrake from releasing (GSanspermis).
The on-board charger has been problematic on the first examples according to Autocar and GSanspermis; its replacement is put at around 1,500 euros (Autocar gives the figure in pounds sterling: £1,500).
Renault recalled in 2012 the Twizys built from 27 January to 1 May 2012: a seal that may have degraded at the handbrake control shaft could cause a slow leak at the rear calipers and an abnormally long pedal travel. A precautionary recall with only one case detected; the calipers are checked and replaced if necessary.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
The 12 V auxiliary battery, located behind the front bumper, is cited as a weak point: Autocar advises replacing it at least every three years. When discharged, it can prevent the car from starting and switch off the dashboard (Renault Twizy Info forum), or prevent the handbrake from releasing (GSanspermis).
The on-board charger has been problematic on the first examples according to Autocar and GSanspermis; its replacement is put at around 1,500 euros (Autocar gives the figure in pounds sterling: £1,500).
Renault recalled in 2012 the Twizys built from 27 January to 1 May 2012: a seal that may have degraded at the handbrake control shaft could cause a slow leak at the rear calipers and an abnormally long pedal travel. A precautionary recall with only one case detected; the calipers are checked and replaced if necessary.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Compare prices of parts for the Renault Twizy I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.