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Renault 5: The electric car that dominated sales in France, but a simple bug left it immobilized and frustrated drivers

Written by Carla Teles de Lima
Published 24/01/2025 às 13:57
Renault 5: The electric car that dominated sales in France, but a simple bug left it immobilized and frustrated drivers
An electric Renault 5 is stopped in the middle of the road because it won't move out of neutral, while the frustrated driver waits for help. In the background, other cars pass by, showing how this unexpected bug has become a headache.

With almost 10 units sold in two months, the Renault 5 has challenged the Tesla Model Y in France, but a rare bug that locks the car in neutral mode has left drivers frustrated and forced Renault to race against time to fix the problem.

Have you ever heard of a car so popular that, in just two months, it almost ousted the mighty Tesla Model Y in the French market? That's the Renault 5, a small electric car that won over thousands of hearts and streets with its modern and affordable design. But, as they say, "the higher the height, the harder the fall." What no one expected was that a simple bug could cause such a stir, rendering the car unusable in certain situations. Let's understand what happened?

The Renault 5 and its overwhelming launch on the French market

With almost 10 units sold in its first two months on the market, the Renault 5 seemed destined to take the electric throne in France. In December, it even went head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y, losing by just over 100 units (4.681 to 4.807). For a newly launched model, this is almost a masterstroke.

It's not hard to understand the appeal: compact, charming and affordable, the Renault 5 seemed the perfect solution for those who wanted to enter the world of electric cars without spending a fortune. However, not everything is rosy.

The bug that stopped the Renault 5

The bug in the Renault 5 locks the car in neutral mode, preventing it from moving or reversing. To resolve the issue, the system must be restarted, which can take up to 30 minutes, leaving drivers stranded.
The bug in the Renault 5 locks the car in neutral mode, preventing it from moving or reversing. To resolve the issue, the system must be restarted, which can take up to 30 minutes, leaving drivers stranded.

Buying a brand new car, driving it home and suddenly realizing it simply won’t move. That’s exactly what happened to some Renault 5 owners in France. A rare bug left the vehicles “stuck” in neutral (N) mode, preventing them from shifting into drive (D/B) or reverse (R).

The problem was reported on French forums, where consumers described their frustrations. One said the problem only appeared a week after purchase. Another driver said the same problem was temporarily resolved after half an hour, but that the car needed an update to work properly.

The answer: A patch for the problem

According to Xataka, Renault It didn't take long to recognize the problem and offer a solution. The brand made a software patch available to fix the bug, but until this was implemented, drivers had to follow a protocol to “reset” the vehicle.

The procedure involved waiting 20 to 30 minutes with the car turned off, ensuring that nothing was consuming power (such as interior lights or screen mirroring). It may seem simple, but it was still a frustrating situation, especially for those who depended on their car for everyday use.

Impact on sales and reputation

Despite the setback, the Renault 5 remains one of the best-selling electric cars in France. This raises an important question: how does a problem like this affect a brand's reputation?

The answer may vary. Some consumers are more tolerant and understand that unexpected events can happen, especially with new technologies. Others, however, may be cautious and opt for brands they consider more reliable.

Why the Renault 5 is still a strong contender in the market

Even with the bug, the Renault 5 has everything it needs to continue its success. Its charismatic design, competitive price and the support of a strong brand like Renault guarantee its popularity. The company's quick response to the problem shows that it is engaged in offering support to its customers.

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Carla Teles de Lima

I talk about technology, innovation and the oil and gas sector, bringing up-to-date and relevant content about the Brazilian market. Every day, I share information about job opportunities and the main news in the sector. Do you have a suggestion for a topic? Just send it to my email: carlatdl016@gmail.com.

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