Seeking Advice for 2021 Renault Arkana Hybrid with Exhaust Smoke, Reduced Power, and Engine Issues

Hey, sounds like you've got yourself quite a pickle there! Now, I'm not exactly the guy who spends his weekend rebuilding an engine, but I've had some experience dealing with similar issues with my own ride - a 2019 Renault Kadjar. The symptoms you described resembles what I went through some time back. Just like yours, mine also started coughing out black smoke, running rough, and would stall when idling. Turned out it was a faulty fuel pressure regulator that was at fault. An important component which helps to keep the fuel supply going smoothly to the engine. I had my car towed to my local workshop, a little old joint I've been going to for years now. The guys over there know their stuff and pretty quickly diagnosed it as a defective fuel pressure regulator. They got it replaced and I was out of there with €250 lighter in my wallet, but the car never gave me those problems again. Worth noting, though, that my Kadjar isn't a hybrid like your Arkana. It would be good to know if you've experienced any malfunctions related to the electric system. Also, if you can share more specific vehicle information - like its mileage or any previous repairs, I'll be able to give more tailored advice based on my experience. Hope this helps, and good luck with the fix!

Hey, really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Interestingly, my Arkana just clocked 115,163 km, and the last service was pretty recent. Everything was reported normal then. The only thing I've had to replace so far is the worn-out front tyres and the brake pads, pretty standard stuff. I haven't noticed anything specific with the electric system yet, but suddenly being thrown into these issues has got me a bit worried. I'll make a note to check the fuel pressure regulator and discuss it with my mechanic. If it can be sorted for about €250, I'll be a happy lad. Thanks again for your help.

No worries at all! It's good to help out a fellow Renault owner. I completely understand your concern. These issues can be super frustrating, especially when they come out of the blue. It's good that your last service didn't flag any major issues, and that the wear and tear replacements are pretty standard for a car with that mileage. However, the problems you're experiencing now are definitely not in the "standard" category. Do check in with your mechanic on the fuel pressure regulator. Given it's a hybrid, it's also worthwhile getting the electrical charging system, electric motor, and battery checked. You don't want to run the risk of any potential damage there, given the relay these systems have with the fuel system. The majority of these components should still be covered under the manufacturer's warranty considering it's a 2021 model. Be sure to check in on that, you may save yourself quite a bit in repair costs! Lastly, from my experience, if the regulator is faulty, the cars tend to often run rich or lean, making the engine run unsteady and could cause that black smoke you're seeing on acceleration. If left untreated, it could lead to more serious engine damage. So, the sooner you get it looked into, the better! Let me know how you get on. Wishing you all the best for a quick and easy fix! Cheers!

Cheers for the great advice! I hadn't really considered all those points you made, especially checking the electrical charging system and double-checking that warranty. I'll definitely follow your advice and make a visit to my local mechanic ASAP, this black smoke issue certainly can't be good for the engine. You've been a real help! Honestly, fingers crossed it's as straightforward as a fuel pressure regulator issue. Will keep you posted about what happens next. Thanks heaps!