Renault, the French automaker, could be gearing up for a legal battle on its home turf as a group of disgruntled customers prepares to file a criminal complaint against the company next week.
Reuters reports that the complaint, which is set to be lodged with the Nanterre criminal court, alleges a range of offenses including "aggravated deceit, questionable business practices, fraud, and endangering the life of others."
This move follows unsuccessful negotiations between Renault and the plaintiffs regarding faulty engines.
Customers Lodge Complaint Over Faulty Renault Engines
According to Christophe Leguevaques, the lawyer representing the group, the initial complaint will be filed on behalf of several dozen people, but many more owners of Renault vehicles, as well as those of its Dacia brand and partner Nissan, are expected to join the legal action.
It will ultimately be up to prosecutors to determine whether to initiate a formal investigation.
Local newspapers tell us that Renault has been under scrutiny for issues related to its 1.2-liter engine, which was installed in approximately 400,000 vehicles across Europe between 2012 and 2016.
Customers argue that the automaker should have issued a recall when it became aware of the problem. The main complaint revolves around excessive oil consumption.
"These cars are like cancers," one customer tells the local press.
Renault Responds
Reuters reports that while Renault has admitted that 133,050 vehicles in France may be affected by this issue, the company asserts that there is no safety risk-a point vehemently contested by the customer group.
In response to the looming legal action, a spokesperson for Renault stated that the company has been providing technical assistance and financial support to affected customers.
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They also emphasized that the demands made by customers have been reviewed carefully and addressed to the best of the company's abilities.
Nissan, which shares a partnership with Renault and produces some models in collaboration, has expressed its commitment to supporting customers who may be experiencing engine-related problems.
The company has vowed to provide assistance under their warranty and customer support policies for issues such as engine noise, misfiring, low power, and excessive oil consumption.
However some customers say even Nissan has been failing to address their complaints." We were treated like a common number," one customer said in French.
"No offer of support, even partial, has been made to us," she adds.
What This Means for Renault
The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for Renault, as the company could potentially face severe penalties if found guilty of the alleged offenses.
Moreover, the case highlights the increasing challenges faced by automakers in handling customer complaints and product defects.
The filing of the complaint will mark a significant turning point in this ongoing dispute between Renault and its dissatisfied customers.
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