Servicing Woes. Review on Renault Kwid RXT Optional

My car was due for the 3rd free service. The 2nd free service was done at Verna Industrial Estate. A subsidized 3M package for paint detailing etc was offered which was done to my outmost satisfaction. The person who did the job-card handled all aspects very well. I was impressed by the professionalism and politeness of the person. The name was Vishwanath Pattan. All my queries were resolved. Queries included: engine racing at idle, when started. The same thing happened when reversing the car. Wiper washer motor didn't always work. Both these issues were rectified. Even the way the car responded to throttle and gear input was much better than it was prior to the 2nd service. So, I came back delighted.

However, this was not the case after the 3rd service. The 3rd servicing was done at a newly commissioned service point located at Taleigao. Reason, main problem was not rectified. Only the not-so-necessary 3M work was done which was done by the 3M team, not by the Renault service engineers. This time, person doing the job-card was Tejas Chari. This person would only check on the servicing staff if called upon. I was wondering if I made a mistake taking my vehicle for the 3rd service. All doors came back without any grease applied. The wiper washer motor which worked fine does not work anymore. The key insertion slot plastic panel has been broken causing it to vibrate all the time. The AC continues blowing hot air, despite keeping the car for 2 days for observation to verify leaks/compressor problem wherein they found there was no leak. Even replacing the compressor did not solve the problem. After googling the issue, having given Tejas a few tips on what could have been the cause, the guy will not even check the veracity of the tips. The compressor is a very good make but I guess the 800 cc engine is not sufficient enough to derive satisfactory AC cooling.

So, basically, all in-experienced personnel handling or rather mishandling servicing at Taleigao, who are spoiling the reputation that Renault has built over the past 3 years because of the KWID. At the end of it all, they request customers to fill up a Feedback Form.

To sum it up, servicing at Renault is a HIT or a MISS type of experience. The quality of work will depend on the servicing/handling capabilities of technicians.

If ever I have to take my vehicle back, I definitely won't go to Taleigao and surely not if Tejas is handling the job.

We traveled to Vailankani from Goa and back via Belgaum in November 2019. Unfortunately, when we were traveling to Vailankani, the underneath hit a huge pothole at Thogarapalli and after contacting Renault (Hosur), the car was towed. The engine sump was damaged and oil was leaking. It was replaced and also a plastic guard placed. All of this in 6 hours. Thank you Renault Hosur. We continued on our journey and returned home without further problems.

Of late, 15 months post that, again there was oil leaking and again vehicle was towed. This time, to Verna. Renault guys mentioned that the car would be towed only after the roadside assistance was renewed. The entire process, according to them, will be activated only after 48 hours. You can imagine, what might be our state had the service centre in Hosur had told us this. But, this is Goa (everything happens SUSEGAD). So, they towed the car and God knows what they did but billed us 13000. We have kept the bill for reference. The car came back with problems that were not there prior to towing.. (foam padding is missing, air filter lock ring is missing, car jerks forward when releasing the clutch pedal, clunking sound from right front wheel area, bumper bottom plastic locks missing) We asked if they could inspect the gear stick because shifting was difficult. The gears are still as they were (tight to shift). I really don't know what to say. After our experience at Hosur, this was unexpected. Anyway, it's a good thing we come to realize that we don't want to spoil our peace of mind on companies that function in this manner.

The Kwid is a good value for money product from Renault. Unfortunately, Renault's local staff are not the type of people who want to build the brand reputation. The company takes a beating from such an attitude. Probably, the company is yet to learn from their past mistakes.