Renault Recall: 30,000 Austral & Espace Models for Engine Fault

Renault has just announced a recall of over 30,000 vehicles in France, specifically concerning the Austral and Espace models. This preventive campaign aims to correct a technical fault that could lead to engine failure if warning signs are ignored.

"If the warning signs are ignored, there is a possibility of eventual engine seizure" — Renault France

Over 32,000 Vehicles Under Scrutiny

The recall precisely affects 26,296 Austral and 6,992 sixth-generation Espace vehicles. All were produced at the Palencia plant in Spain between June 6, 2022 and December 20, 2024. Only the hybrid versions produced before the recent facelift are affected by this technical operation, referenced under code 0EWA.

The problem identified by Renault engineers concerns the oil vapor recirculation system of the internal combustion engine. This hose, a part costing only a few euros, can prove defective and cause severe dilution of the engine oil.

Warning Signs Not to Be Ignored

Drivers can detect several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most obvious is a gasoline odor that invades the cabin. Other clues include an unexplained increase in the oil level on the dipstick, abnormal oil consumption with the "oil level to be adjusted" message on the dashboard, and in some cases visible engine oil seepage.

Owners must take these signals seriously. In the worst-case scenario, ignoring these alerts can lead to "engine seizure," synonymous with outright failure. A repair that could cost several thousand euros on vehicles sold for over 40,000 euros.

An Intervention of One Hour Maximum

The workshop intervention involves replacing the oil vapor recirculation hose and reprogramming the HEVC computer. Renault announces an intervention time between 30 minutes and 1h30 depending on the case. This operation is entirely free of charge for owners.

To check if their vehicle is part of the affected batch, owners can contact their Renault dealer with the serial number (field E of the registration document). The manufacturer recommends not waiting and booking an appointment promptly.

What to Do If You Own an Affected Vehicle?

If you own an Austral or a sixth-generation Espace hybrid produced between 2022 and 2024, the first step is to check your eligibility. Contact your Renault dealer with your registration document in hand. If confirmed, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Closely monitoring your vehicle's behavior remains crucial. At the slightest suspicious sign - odor, warning light, change in oil level - contact your garage immediately. Do not attempt to drive if symptoms persist.

A Delicate Context for Renault's Governance

This recall campaign comes during a turbulent period for the French manufacturer. The year 2025 saw three CEOs succeed each other in less than two months. Luca de Meo left the group on July 15 to join Kering, temporarily leaving the leadership to Duncan Minto before François Provost officially took the helm on July 31.

This instability at the top contrasts with the operational challenges on the ground. The early departure of Luca de Meo cost him 3.13 million euros in performance shares, reducing his 2025 compensation to 1.74 million euros.

His successor François Provost received 1.44 million euros for taking office. For 2026, Renault has revised the salary structure downwards: fixed salary reduced to 1.2 million euros compared to 1.7 million under the de Meo era, and variable capped at 2.4 million euros.

This massive recall and governance questions raise concerns about Renault's ability to maintain product quality while managing managerial turbulence. The Austral and Espace, two pillars of the diamond brand's SUV strategy, thus find themselves in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.