Just like any other car, Renault Arkana has some persistent and common problems. Among these issues, there are steering system issues, infotainment glitches, hybrid/gearbox quirks, and sensor faults that can turn an otherwise stylish SUV-coupé into a frustrating daily driver—especially if you’re buying used without checking recall history and software updates first.
The Arkana is sold with different powertrains depending on market and model year (mild-hybrid petrol, E-Tech full hybrid, and in some regions other variants). That matters because the “common problems” list changes depending on which Arkana you’re looking at.
Below is a practical, AdSense-safe guide to the main Renault Arkana problems owners and used buyers should be aware of, how to spot them, and what to check before you buy.
1) Electric Power Steering (EPS) overheating recall (safety-critical)
The most important Arkana issue to know is a UK DVSA safety recall relating to overheating of an internal component in the electric power steering. The DVSA recall entry explains the defect and states the remedy involves recalibration of the EPS control to limit overheating at end lock.
Why this matters
EPS problems aren’t “just annoying”—they can affect how the car steers, especially during low-speed manoeuvres where you’re frequently near full lock.
What to do (buyer + owner)
- Check the car’s recall status using the UK registration-based recall checker.
- Also use Renault’s own recall/campaign checker (VIN-based) and confirm any outstanding actions are completed.
- When test driving: do a few tight turns in a car park (slow speed, full lock) and listen/feel for any abnormal steering behaviour.
2) E-Tech hybrid gearbox “feel” (and occasional gearbox-related warnings)
If you’re looking at an Arkana E-Tech full hybrid, the transmission isn’t a typical CVT or standard automatic. Renault’s E-Tech uses an intelligent multi-mode clutchless “dog box” arrangement as part of the hybrid system. Renault Group describes it as a multimode dogbox designed to optimise efficiency, and Renault press materials explain the dog-clutch, clutchless concept.
Why drivers sometimes think something’s “wrong”
Because it’s not a conventional torque-converter automatic, you can get:
- Noticeable “steps” in acceleration as gear states change
- Occasional hesitation at very low speeds (car-park crawling)
- Jerky behaviour if you drive it like a traditional auto instead of smoothly feeding the throttle
This isn’t always a fault—it’s sometimes just the normal behaviour of this design. But you still want to rule out genuine issues.
What to check before buying
- Drive it in stop-start traffic conditions (or simulate it): creep, brake, creep again.
- Do gentle acceleration from 10–30 mph and see if shifts feel consistent.
- If you see recurring drivetrain/gearbox warnings, don’t ignore them—get a diagnostic scan and verify software updates.
3) Mild-hybrid 1.3 TCe timing chain rattle (cold start) + sensor codes
On some Arkana 1.3 TCe variants, independent write-ups and owner discussions frequently point to timing chain noise on cold starts and related cam/crank correlation codes. One detailed summary specifically mentions timing chain issues showing up around mid mileage, with metallic noises at cold start and possible correlation faults such as P0016/P0020.
Symptoms
- Metallic rattle on first start of the day
- Rough idle when cold
- Engine light with correlation-related fault codes (scan tool confirms)
What to check before buying
- Insist on a true cold start (car not warmed up before you arrive).
- Listen carefully for the first 10–30 seconds.
- Check service history for regular oil changes (and correct oil spec).
4) Infotainment bugs + Apple CarPlay / Android Auto dropouts
A lot of Arkana complaints are “tech” complaints: screen glitches, smartphone connection issues, and features not behaving consistently. Some write-ups also point to infotainment resets and software bugs affecting stability, plus CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects.
Renault’s own connectivity FAQs acknowledge that phone compatibility and updates matter for CarPlay/Android Auto and recommend confirming device/software compatibility and repeating the pairing process.
Symptoms
- Screen freezes, lags, or restarts
- CarPlay disconnects repeatedly
- Bluetooth pairing issues
- Reverse camera or parking display intermittently unavailable
What to check before buying
- Pair your phone, start navigation, and play audio for at least 5–10 minutes.
- Try both wired and wireless (if supported).
- Test reverse camera and parking sensors repeatedly (not just once).
5) Parking sensor / camera / driver-assist “System not available” messages
Even when the car drives fine, owners sometimes get sensor-related errors: parking sensors, reversing camera, and ADAS prompts showing “system not available” or similar warnings. A common theme in reliability summaries is intermittent sensor/communication errors across modules.
Typical causes
- Software glitches (often improved with updates)
- Sensor contamination (dirt, snow, heavy rain)
- Calibration issues after minor bumper damage or windscreen replacement
What to check before buying
- Walk around the car: check the bumpers for repairs/paint mismatch (sensor alignment matters).
- Try parking sensors and camera in different lighting conditions if possible.
- Ask if the car has had windscreen replacement (ADAS calibration may be needed afterward).
6) 12V battery weakness causing “random” electrical issues
Even hybrids rely heavily on a conventional 12V battery for systems boot-up and module stability. When the 12V battery is weak, cars can throw odd warnings, behave inconsistently, or show infotainment/sensor faults that vanish after charging/replacement. Reliability summaries commonly flag weak batteries as a trigger for weird electronic behaviour in modern vehicles.
Symptoms
- Multiple warnings appearing at once (then disappearing)
- Slow start-up / slow infotainment boot
- Keyless entry behaving oddly
- Random “system unavailable” errors
What to do
- Ask how old the 12V battery is.
- If buying used, have it tested (it’s quick and often cheap).
- If the car has been sitting on a forecourt for weeks, be extra cautious.
7) Heating not getting warm (thermostat-related complaints on some cars)
In colder climates, “no heat” becomes a deal-breaker fast. Some technical summaries mention thermostat-related problems leading to the heater not warming properly, particularly in cold conditions.
Symptoms
- Cabin takes too long to warm up
- Temperature fluctuates inconsistently
- Heater feels weak at idle
What to check before buying
- Start the car from cold and run the heater at a normal setting.
- Confirm it warms up reasonably during a short drive.
- Check coolant level and look for evidence of poor maintenance.
8) Real-world fuel economy not matching claims (expectation problem, not a “fault”)
This isn’t a mechanical defect, but it’s one of the biggest owner disappointments if you buy based on brochure numbers. For example, Carwow notes Renault’s claimed economy can be significantly higher than what some testers achieved in mixed driving.
Why it happens
Hybrid economy is extremely sensitive to:
- Route type (city vs motorway)
- Temperature (winter reduces efficiency)
- Tyres (pressure and type)
- Driving style (hard acceleration reduces EV benefit)
Buyer tip
If you mostly do motorway driving, you may not see the “headline” mpg numbers—so compare the Arkana against alternatives with your driving pattern in mind.
9) Warranty coverage differences (important for used buyers)
Carwow highlights that earlier cars may have had a five-year warranty (with mileage terms), while later coverage changed to three years / 60,000 miles (market-specific). Used buyers should check what’s left on the vehicle they’re viewing.
Why it matters: If you’re buying a tech-heavy hybrid, remaining warranty can be the difference between a stress-free car and an expensive one.
Used Renault Arkana Buying Checklist (high-conversion section)
Step 1: Recall & campaign checks (must-do)
- Use the UK safety recall checker (registration-based).
- Use Renault’s VIN recall/campaign checker and verify completion.
- Pay special attention to the EPS overheating safety recall.
Step 2: Powertrain-specific checks
If it’s 1.3 TCe
- Cold start listen test for chain rattle.
If it’s E-Tech full hybrid
- Slow-speed smoothness test (car park/traffic crawl).
- Check for warning messages; scan for stored codes.
- Ask for proof of software updates.
Step 3: Tech stress test (10 minutes)
- Infotainment responsiveness + navigation
- Bluetooth + CarPlay/Android Auto stability
- Reverse camera + sensors repeated
Step 4: 12V battery health
- Battery test, especially if car has been sitting.
FAQ
Are Renault Arkana problems “serious”?
Most are annoyance-level (infotainment/sensors), but the electric power steering overheating recall is safety-related and should be checked and rectified if outstanding.
Is the Arkana E-Tech gearbox unreliable?
It’s a different design (clutchless dogbox) and can feel unusual compared with a torque-converter auto, so some “complaints” are actually about driving feel. Renault describes it as engineered for efficiency and reliability, but you should still test-drive carefully and confirm updates/servicing.
What’s the biggest mistake when buying a used Arkana?
Skipping recall checks and not test-driving the infotainment + sensors thoroughly. Use official recall tools first, then confirm everything works in real use.
Source links (for your References section)
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall
https://www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk/recall-type/vehicle/make/RENAULT/model/ARKANA/year/2021/recalls
https://www.renault.co.uk/recall-campaigns.html
https://www.carwow.co.uk/renault/arkana
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/info/problems-with-the-renault-arkana
https://www.renaultgroup.com/en/magazine/our-group-news/the-dogbox-a-key-choice-for-renault-e-tech-full-hybrid-powertrains/
https://www.press.renault.co.uk/releases/2849
https://media.renault.com/new-full-hybrid-e-tech-160-hp-powertrain-twofold-benefits-more-power-less-fuel/?lang=eng
https://www.renault.co.uk/renault-connect/faq-easylink.html