Stylish coupe-SUV for buyers wanting something different from the typical boxy crossover. The 1.3 TCe engine is a Mercedes-Benz co-development (used in their A-Class as M282) and much more reliable than Renault's older 1.2 TCe. Main concerns: CVT transmission jerky operation especially in cold weather, infotainment system freezing issues with expensive replacement costs, timing chain wear starting around 60,000 km, and electrical gremlins with sensors. Verify power steering recall (2022) completed. Not as practical as a Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Karoq, but better equipped and cheaper than the Toyota C-HR.
Delayed shifts and jerking especially when cold, below 10°C · more· less
The Nissan X-Tronic CVT shows clear weaknesses in early operating phases, with jerky gear changes, delayed reaction times, and uneven power transmission particularly noticeable at temperatures below 10°C. Many drivers report the transmission being slow to respond during acceleration from standstill. Software updates from Renault can refine shift points and reduce jerkiness (€200-350 at dealer). CVT fluid change every 60,000 km costs €350-450. If internal CVT components fail, full replacement runs €2,500-3,500. Common fault codes: P0868 (transmission oil pressure too low), P0841 (transmission fluid pressure sensor).
Easy Link infotainment system freezing€0 - €1,850
Screen freezes, "initialising" loops, corrupt over-the-air updates · more· less
The Easy Link touchscreen system suffers from software bugs and performance issues. Screen may freeze because memory is full - try hard reset by holding on/off button for 5+ seconds. Major issue: Renault has released corrupt FOTA (Firmware over the Air) updates that have bricked systems, with reports of units failing after only 3 weeks ownership. Replacement units cost approximately £1,580 (€1,850) at Renault dealers, though aftermarket screens available for €300-400. Parts supply has been problematic with customers waiting months. Many owners frustrated by slow dealer response to software issues.
Timing chain tensioner wear€1,000 - €2,200
Cold start rattle develops 60,000-100,000 km due to tensioner oil bleed-off · more· less
The 1.3 TCe uses a chain that should last 200,000+ km if maintained properly, but the tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. VW Group uses an updated tensioner part. Replacement takes 5-8 hours labor. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. Critical: maintain oil changes every 15,000 km maximum (not the extended intervals Renault allows).
Electrical sensor failures€150 - €800
Parking sensors, reversing camera, random warning lights after 20,000-30,000 km · more· less
The Arkana's electronics show malfunction signs after just 20,000-30,000 km: sporadic infotainment system failures, defective sensors, and communication problems between control units. Parking sensors and reversing camera are particularly affected. Owners report recurring electrical issues with warning lights appearing without clear faults, often linked to faulty sensors requiring multiple dealership trips to resolve. Individual sensor replacement: €150-250 each. Camera module: €400-600. Dealer diagnostic time adds €100-200 per visit. Issue: parts availability slow, dealer communication poor according to multiple owner reports.
Carbon buildup from gentle driving causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator tends to stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include EPC warning light and limp mode (reduced power). Renault will not sell the actuator separately. Actuator-only repair at specialist costs €500-600, but if turbo internals are damaged from defective wastegate valves (typically after 80,000-100,000 km), full turbo replacement runs €1,200-2,500. Prevention: use premium fuel and regular spirited driving to prevent carbon buildup. The 1.3 TCe has known issues with badly fastened turbo pipes that keep falling off since 2017 - this persists even in 2024 models.
Ignition coils and spark plugs premature failure€200 - €500
Coils and plugs fail earlier than expected, high replacement cost · more· less
The coils and plugs are not durable in the 1.3 TCe - they tend to die much earlier than expected and cost considerably. Symptoms: misfiring, rough idle, poor acceleration. Aftermarket coils (full set of 4): €50-80. OEM Renault coils: €150-200 for set. Spark plugs should be replaced at 25,000 km intervals per handbook. Labor adds €100-200. Important: always replace spark plugs when replacing a faulty coil, as a misfiring coil can cause plugs to deteriorate badly. Use correct OEM-spec plugs - wrong resistance can cause ignition problems.
Thermostat failure€400 - €700
Heater doesn't warm up properly after only 15,000-25,000 km · more· less
Thermostat problems can occur after only 15,000-25,000 km, causing the heater to not get warm enough, particularly at low outside temperatures below 5°C. A defective thermostat must be replaced completely - repairs are usually not successful long-term. Installing a new thermostat takes about 2-3 hours of labor and should always be combined with a cooling system flush. Part cost: €150-250. Labor: €200-350. Total: €400-700. Coolant flush every 40,000 km recommended to remove deposits.
Premature front brake disc wear€250 - €600
Front discs wear prematurely after 25,000-35,000 km · more· less
Premature wear of the front brake discs reported after only 25,000-35,000 km. Causes can include stuck brake calipers that don't slide properly, causing brake pads to remain in constant contact with discs. Front pads + discs replacement: €250-400 (independent garage with aftermarket parts) to €450-600 (dealer with OEM parts). Rear pads + discs: similar pricing. Important: have brake calipers inspected for proper sliding during replacement to prevent recurrence.
Direct injection carbon buildup€300 - €1,000
Intake valves accumulate carbon, walnut blasting needed 60,000-80,000 km · more· less
All direct-injection engines suffer from carbon buildup on intake valves. Direct-injected engines spray fuel into combustion chambers rather than intake ports, so over time gunk forms on intake valves and inside intake port walls. Professional walnut blasting recommended every 60,000-80,000 km. Cost: €300-1,000 depending on shop and engine accessibility. Prevention: use low-ash (C3) engine oil to minimize carbon deposits, run high-quality fuel with detergent additives to help keep injectors clean. Symptoms of carbon buildup: rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy.
Moderately reliable for a modern Renault, but expect electrical issues
The Arkana is a relatively new model (2021+) with mixed reliability. The 1.3 TCe engine is a significant improvement over Renault's older 1.2 TCe and can last 150,000+ km with proper maintenance, but timing chain and turbo components need monitoring. CVT transmission and electrical systems are the main weak points. What Car? Reliability Survey 2024 ranked the Arkana 26th out of 33 family SUVs with a score of 89.7%. Budget €500-1,250/year for unexpected repairs depending on driving style and luck.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Renault dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (max 15,000 km).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear patterns. Size: 215/55R16 (base) or 215/60R17/215/55R18 (higher trims).
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch. Coupe-SUV styling means rear visibility is limited.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds to get CVT up to temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold and listen for rattle in first 30 seconds. This is the most critical check. Rattle lasting more than a few seconds indicates chain/tensioner wear.
CVT transmission operation
Drive for 15+ minutes to warm transmission. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, or harsh engagement. Try acceleration from standstill multiple times. Check for clunking or grinding noises.
Test all Easy Link infotainment functions
Check screen responsiveness, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera. Try rebooting system (hold on/off button 5+ seconds). Ask about software update history.
Electrical sensors check
Test parking sensors (front and rear), reversing camera, all warning lights. Check for sporadic sensor errors during test drive.
Check for EPC warning light
Drive the car for at least 15 minutes and watch for EPC light. If it appears with loss of power, turbo actuator issues likely.
Verify power steering recall completed (2022)
Contact Renault with VIN to confirm recall work done. Recall affects cars built Oct 2019 - Nov 2021 (overheating of power steering ECU).
Check heater operation
Verify cabin heater reaches full temperature within 5-10 minutes. Poor heating indicates thermostat issues.
Brake pedal feel and disc condition
Check for juddering during braking. Inspect front discs through wheel spokes for scoring or uneven wear.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Electric power steering overheating (Oct 2019 - Nov 2021)Verify completed
Contact Renault dealer with VIN to verify power steering recall completed. The recall (Feb 2022) affected 1,562 UK cars and over 43,000 European cars. Due to faulty ECU calibration, overheating may occur leading to possible loss of steering assistance - this is a critical safety issue.
Most 2021-2023 Arkanas are now outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Renault offers extended warranty options through dealers. Check warranty booklet or contact Renault with VIN to verify current coverage status. Important: some electrical and software issues may not be covered depending on warranty terms.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.