According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2015 Renault Sandero has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Easy-R Automated Manual Gearbox Clutch and Actuator Failures ($500-$2,800 repair) and 1.6 8V K7M Head Gasket Failure and Excessive Oil Consumption ($300-$700 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $30 to $2,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2015-2019 Renault Sandero, the ZF-supplied Easy-R 5-speed automated manual transmission, offered on Brazilian-market Sandero and Sandero Stepway 1.6 from 2014 production (model years 2015-2019), is one of the most complained-about Renault components on Reclame Aqui. Owners report shuddering and judder when pulling away from a stop appearing as early as 20,000-25,000 km, caused by premature clutch disc wear; failures of the clutch/gear actuator module that leave the car stuck in gear (frequently 2nd) or immobilized; harsh or delayed shifts; and isolated reports of dangerous behavior such as unintended reverse engagement and sudden downshifts at highway speed. Dealer repair quotes have reached R$15,000 (~USD 2,800), with the actuator module alone costing over R$4,400 as a genuine part. Renault discontinued the Easy-R gearbox in Brazil in 2019 after roughly five years on the market, and complaints continued well after the 3-year warranty expired. No recall was ever issued for the gearbox.
Common Symptoms
Shuddering or judder when pulling away from a stop
Jerky, delayed, or harsh gear changes
Gearbox stuck in a gear (often 2nd) or refusing to engage
Gearbox warning light or 'check gearbox' message on dash
Difficulty or delay engaging reverse
Vehicle immobilized with no gear engagement
How to Fix
There is no recall; repairs are owner-paid out of warranty. Premature judder requires replacement of the clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing) with the updated parts. Actuator faults require recalibration or replacement of the clutch/shift actuator module — independent transmission specialists in Brazil charge roughly half of dealer prices (around R$3,000 vs R$5,500+). After any clutch or actuator work, the system must be relearned/calibrated with a Renault-compatible scan tool (CLIP). Buyers of used 2015-2019 Sandero with Easy-R should test for takeoff shudder and hesitant engagement before purchase, and budget for actuator and clutch service life far shorter than a conventional manual.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2008-2019 Renault Sandero, sanderos with the 1.6 8V K7M engine (the workhorse engine of the Brazilian lineup from launch in 2008 through the late 2010s) are widely reported by owners to consume engine oil at an abnormal rate, with the level dropping noticeably between changes and dark smoke from the exhaust. Brazilian repair sources and owner-complaint roundups (Mobiauto, Sua Oficina Online) attribute the recurring cases to a head gasket defect that lets oil pass into the combustion chambers, where it burns with the fuel mixture. Reclame Aqui complaints describe it as a chronic problem, with some owners told the engine was effectively disposable after repeated failures. External oil leaks at the head gasket joint and valve cover are also part of the pattern. Left unaddressed, sustained low oil level risks accelerated wear or engine failure.
Common Symptoms
Oil level dropping rapidly between oil changes
Dark or bluish smoke from the exhaust
Burning oil smell after driving
Oil residue around the cylinder head gasket joint
Low oil warning on longer trips
How to Fix
Check the oil level frequently — every fuel stop on affected cars — and investigate any consumption beyond roughly 0.5 L between services. Confirmed cases require head gasket replacement, with the head checked for flatness and resurfaced if needed; replace valve stem seals while the head is off if smoke persists. A head gasket job on the K7M is mechanically simple and affordable at Brazilian independent shops compared with dealers. Using the correct 10W-40/15W-40 viscosity specified for the K7M matters, since thinner oils worsen consumption on this engine.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2008-2022 Renault Sandero, sandero and its Logan twin suffer a chronic wear problem in the steering column's upper bearing. As the bearing wears, the steering wheel develops perceptible free play and a knocking or clunking sensation, felt especially over rough Brazilian pavement and during small corrections around center. Multiple independent Brazilian mechanic channels document the failure across both generations — including cars as recent as the 2020 Logan — and consistently call it a 'defeito crônico' of the platform. Dealers have been known to quote replacement of the complete steering column, but the documented root cause is just the column bearing, a cheap part. While mostly a nuisance, pronounced play degrades steering precision and several mechanics flag it as an accident risk if ignored long-term.
Common Symptoms
Free play in the steering wheel before the wheels respond
Knocking or clunking felt in the steering wheel over bumps
Clicking or rattling noise from the steering column
Vague, imprecise steering around center
Noise when shaking the wheel with the car parked
How to Fix
Confirm the diagnosis by checking for free rotation play at the steering wheel with the front wheels held still — wear in the column bearing produces play and noise at the column itself rather than at the rack or tie rods (rule those out first, especially on cars covered by the steering recalls). Replace the steering column upper bearing; the part costs little and the job is a few hours' labor at an independent shop. Replacing the entire column assembly is unnecessary in the typical case and should only be needed if the shaft splines or tube are themselves damaged.
What are the most common Renault Sandero problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2015-2015 Renault Sandero has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Easy-R Automated Manual Gearbox Clutch and Actuator Failures, 1.6 8V K7M Head Gasket Failure and Excessive Oil Consumption, Steering Column Bearing Wear Causing Play and Knocking in the Steering Wheel. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Renault Sandero reliable?
The 2015-2015 Renault Sandero has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Easy-R Automated Manual Gearbox Clutch and Actuator Failures and 1.6 8V K7M Head Gasket Failure and Excessive Oil Consumption. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Renault Sandero problems?
Repair costs for known Renault Sandero issues range from $30 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Easy-R Automated Manual Gearbox Clutch and Actuator Failures, typically costs $500-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2015-2019 Renault Sandero Easy-R Automated Manual Gearbox Clutch and Actuator Failures?
The ZF-supplied Easy-R 5-speed automated manual transmission, offered on Brazilian-market Sandero and Sandero Stepway 1.6 from 2014 production (model years 2015-2019), is one of the most complained-about Renault components on Reclame Aqui. Owners report shuddering and judder when… Repairs typically run $500-$2,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2019 Renault Sandero 1.6 8V K7M Head Gasket Failure and Excessive Oil Consumption?
Sanderos with the 1.6 8V K7M engine (the workhorse engine of the Brazilian lineup from launch in 2008 through the late 2010s) are widely reported by owners to consume engine oil at an abnormal rate, with the level dropping noticeably between changes and dark smoke from the exhaus… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2022 Renault Sandero Steering Column Bearing Wear Causing Play and Knocking in the Steering Wheel?
Sandero and its Logan twin suffer a chronic wear problem in the steering column's upper bearing. As the bearing wears, the steering wheel develops perceptible free play and a knocking or clunking sensation, felt especially over rough Brazilian pavement and during small correction… Repairs typically run $30-$120. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
