The list is long of cases on which he has pooled legal actions: Linky meter, privatization of Toulouse airport, Levothyrox or chlordecone scandal… Christophe Lèguevaques, lawyer at the Paris Bar, and three of his colleagues ( including one in Marseille and one in Toulouse) have decided to go on the attack by launching joint collective action against Renault in what they call the “motorgate” affair.
This is a serious reliability problem concerning the 1.2 liter TCE petrol engine, manufactured between 2012 and 2016 and distributed until 2018. The machine equips around 400,000 vehicles (including 133,000 in France), mainly Renault (Clio 4, Captur, Mégane, Kadjar, Scénic), but also Dacia (Duster, Dokker, Lodgy), Nissan (Juke, Qashqai 2) and some Mercedes Citan utilities.
The engine defect, known for several years already, leads to overconsumption of oil degrading the parts and going as far as the breakage of the engine after 65,000 to 120,000 kilometers of use, according to Mr.e Leguevaques. The lawyer relies on the considerable work carried out by the Facebook group “Casse Moteur” (4,500 members) which has collected testimonies and documents. He considers that there are grounds for criminal prosecution for “deception” and even “endangering the lives of others”, some hard parts breaking having happened at full speed on the highway.
For its part, Renault admits having noticed an overconsumption of oil on “a small part of the models”. “We did it on a case-by-case basis.says a spokesperson for the brand. If the customers have been scrupulous about the maintenance, the support is total; 90% of customers who sent us requests received full or partial support. »
An unusual and risky procedure
“Renault is doing everything to save time and exhaust the victims in procedures or expertisereplies the lawyer. In the end, support is limited – 60% at best – and, in fact, often paltry. » Faced with big business, Mr.e Lèguevaques therefore plays the union of victims in an unusual procedure. The lawyer does not recommend filing a complaint with civil action.
“We would have left for ten years of procedure at least, he points out. My goal is to go fast. » The path chosen is divided into two stages: first, a probationary summary ordered by the start of the school year in September, during which a judge would force Renault to disclose exhibits and documents; then, a direct citation consisting in directly seizing the criminal court which will rule.
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