2017-2024 Renault Kwid Problems: 6 Known Issues

In November 2017 Renault do Brasil recalled 21,802 Kwids built between March 1, 2016 and November 2, 2017 (chassis HJ524902 to JJ999218) for two defects announced together. First, brake system components could develop cracks, potentially causing braking inefficiency or wheel lock-up with loss of directional control. Second, the fuel supply tube was routed/positioned incorrectly and could chafe and perforate, leaking fuel into the engine compartment with fire risk. A related recall in January 2018 covered a batch of September 2017-production cars whose engine cradle (subframe) welds could rupture due to a supplier defect. All campaigns are listed on Renault Brazil's official recall page.

Pre-facelift Kwids used small 215 mm solid (non-ventilated) front brake discs that overheat under sustained or hard use, leading to fade on long descents and disc warping that owners feel as violent pedal pulsation and steering wheel vibration when braking — often accompanied by metallic noise even with new pads. The trade magazine O Mecânico documents that Renault replaced the solid discs with larger 238 mm ventilated discs in the 2019/2020 line update specifically to improve sustained-braking efficiency and reduce fading; the solid- and ventilated-disc parts (including pads) are not interchangeable. Brake judder remains one of the most commonly cited chronic complaints on early cars in Brazilian owner-problem roundups.

One of the most serious and widely reported chronic defects on early Brazilian-market Kwids. The bracket that supports the electric power steering column can crack and break during normal driving, in extreme cases letting the steering wheel drop into the driver's lap with loss of vehicle control. Brazilian outlets (Vrum, Grupo Sentinela, Mundo do Automóvel) document numerous owner reports, concentrated on cars built through 2019, and note that despite the volume of complaints Renault never issued a recall. Dealer quotes reported by owners ranged from roughly R$3,000 to R$5,800 for a complete electric steering column assembly replacement, and several owners only obtained goodwill repairs after escalating publicly.

Renault Brazil states that Kwids manufactured from 5 May 2021 through 12 June 2023, within the listed non-sequential chassis range J000006-J986154, may experience rear-axle-support impact under specific conditions that can generate cracks and alter original handling characteristics. In extreme cases Renault identifies increased accident and injury or property-damage risk. Service began 5 June 2025.

The Kwid's cable-operated clutch is a chronic complaint across all model years in Brazil: the pedal becomes heavy and stiff, creaks loudly when pressed (owners compare it to an old door hinge or a trumpet sound when reversing), and reverse gear grinds or refuses to engage. Documented causes are the clutch cable losing lubrication and binding, the release fork deforming, and pressure-plate diaphragm springs weakening — several owners report symptoms starting under 5,000 km, and the local press (Diarinho) covered a case where a dealership dismissed the noise as 'normal.' Vrum additionally documents a smaller number of more severe gearbox failures where first, second, or reverse stop engaging entirely, some within months of purchase.

A recurring complaint pattern on the Brazilian Kwid: the AC stops cooling because a refrigerant hose routed low near the engine kinks and develops a pinhole leak, slowly venting the gas — the system still appears to work (panel lights, blower runs) but blows warm or only slightly cool air. The hose leak is reported as especially common on 2018 models, and shops frequently misdiagnose it as a simple gas recharge, which fails again within weeks. There is also a cluster of Reclame Aqui complaints about compressors failing very early (one documented at just 20,000 km, cooling only at high RPM) and abnormal noise/vibration when the compressor engages.