Renault 5 and Alpine A290 Face Workshop Return Over Inverter Issue in France

Nearly all Renault 5 and Alpine A290 vehicles delivered in France must return to the workshop due to a potential issue with the inverter that could prevent the cars from starting, according to French automotive news portal L’Argus.

The report states that 15,722 units assembled at Renault’s Douai plant between September 1 and December 23, 2024, may be affected. Customers will be notified via email or the ‘My Renault’ app. Renault emphasized that the action is a “special technical operation” rather than a recall.

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Some owners have received app notifications regarding “the detection of a possible malfunction,” advising them to schedule a free inspection at a dealership. The issue appears to originate from the inverter, which converts battery power into electricity for the motor. Renault integrates the inverter with other components, such as cooling and control electronics, in a ‘power box,’ which is believed to be the source of the malfunction.

While no damage has been reported, the issue stems from “inappropriate monitoring modes,” and workshops can reprogram the inverter’s control unit in about 30 minutes, Renault stated. Additionally, some customers have reported condensation inside the charge level indicator on the front bonnet. Renault acknowledged “a few rare cases” of moisture infiltration and advised affected owners to visit an authorized workshop for inspection.

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