Used Renault Zoe 2013-2024 reliability review
The Renault Zoe is a popular and affordable used electric car which can also go decently far on a single charge.
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What's the used Renault Zoe like?
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Reliability
Mark Pearson
Updated: 13 December 2024
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What should I look for in a used Renault Zoe?
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Despite its lack of an internal combustion engine and all its associated paraphernalia, the Zoe still has a number of things that can cause problems.
Check bodywork for minor scuffs and damage, because this is a car meant for the city. Also, there’s no spare tyre, just a can of sealant and a compressor, the latter with a use-by date.
What's more, it’s worth noting that Renault has said that you’re not supposed to change a wheel yourself in case the battery (which sits under the car) gets damaged when you jack it up.
It’s also worth finding out if the previous owner had bought a regular 13-amp charging cable for use in a three-pin plug socket, as Renault didn’t supply these from new. The Zoe can be charged this way, so this is useful to have, even if it is woefully slow. Renault provided a Chargemaster wallbox in the owner’s home from new for the Zoe’s regular charging.
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A lot of used Zoes will come with the battery leasing option, the cost of which varies depending on the sort of mileage you do and how long you want the contract to last. The lease scheme was dropped for the new model in 2020, and Renault will allow you to buy the battery of existing cars outright for a one-off fee. This depends upon how old the battery pack is, rather than the car, so check that a replacement hasn't already been carried out if you do wish to buy out the lease.
What are the most common problems with a used Renault Zoe?
Brake efficiency may be reduced
There was an issue with the front wheel arch liners on some cars where it would rub against the front brake hoses and, in rare circumstances, cause a leak. If the brake fluid level gets too low, it'll reduce brake efficiency, but you should get a low brake fluid level warning lamp to alert you of this before it gets to that stage. Check with a Renault dealer to make sure the appropriate remedial work has been carried out.
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Incorrect accelerator pedal fitted
A small number of Zoes built between 12 July 2017 and 18 October 2017 may have been fitted with the wrong accelerator pedal, which could cause discomfort or, in extreme circumstances, get stuck under the floor mat. Find out from your Renault dealer whether or not it has been replaced.
Gearbox might not hold the car in park
The pin for the park lever inside the gearbox could brake on some Zoes, allowing the car to roll away. This could be a particular problem if you only leave it in park and don't apply the handbrake or don't set the handbrake correctly. There have been two separate recalls for this, but it mostly affects models made between 1 July 2015 and 26 April 2017, so find out from your local Renault dealer whether on not this work has been carried out.
Dashboard reflection in the windscreen
Some owners of early Zoes that had a light-coloured dashboard found that it reflected badly in the windscreen. Renault agreed to retrofit an alternative piece in a darker shade to solve this problem.
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Rear seat bench
The rear seat bench may not be locked into position securely. This could result in injury to the occupants in the event of hard breaking or a collision. Your local Renault dealer should be able to check it's secure (if your vehicle is involved in the recall).
Click here for more information. Contact your local Renault dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Renault Zoe reliable?
The Renault Zoe sits slightly under par for reliability. In our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Zoe placed 11th out of 18 cars in the electric car class, with an okay-at-best score of 86.8%. The Zoe finished above the Kia EV6 and the MG4, but below the Mini Electric and the Nissan Leaf.
A number of Zoes (22%) in our survey had at least one fault. The 12-volt battery was the main gripe, and there were also issues with the air-con, bodywork, brakes and non-motor electrics. All cars were fixed for free, but repairs were slow – three quarters of cars spent more than a week in the workshop, and 43% of cars couldn't be driven.
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Renault, as a car brand, came ninth out of 31 manufacturers: above Audi and Jaguar, with a good score of 93.6%.
From new, Renault offered a three-year/100,000-miles warranty on the Zoe and an additional four-year/100,000-mile warranty on the motor and battery pack, plus a fourth year of UK-only assistance, if you bought the battery rather than leased it.
Used Renault Zoe: owners' reliability data
A common thread among reader responses relates to electrical and battery-related issues. Several owners reported problems with charging systems and battery management, which sometimes required multiple dealership visits to resolve.
Feedback on the dealer service was varied: while some praised their local dealership for attentive and professional service, others felt frustrated by slow service and a lack of clear communication regarding repairs. Despite these challenges, we've still heard from many readers who are satisfied with their Zoe, particularly because it's affordable to run.
Tips & Advice
Don’t miss a recall
If your car is to be recalled, you should arrange the work to be carried out quickly. Sign up to our recall alerts to ensure you’ll not miss a thing
Check for outstanding recalls
Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy
Choose the right breakdown cover
You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice
Ensure you have breakdown cover
Thousands of What Car? readers deliver their verdict on the best breakdown companies helping you to choose the best cover
Make sure you have warranty cover
New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty
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About the writer
Name: Mark Pearson
Title: Used cars editor
Follow Mark Pearson on
Mark Pearson has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years and is currently the used cars editor for What Car?.
Mark spent his formative years at the BBC, where, at various times, he scheduled, broadcast and archived television and radio programmes and researched, wrote and produced promotional material.
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