PARIS — Renault may face prosecution in France over defective engines as a bunch of consumers plans to lodge a prison grievance in opposition to the automaker subsequent week, the group’s lawyer stated.

“We’re going to file a grievance on Monday on behalf of no less than a number of dozen individuals,” Christophe Leguevaques informed Reuters on Friday, including many extra house owners of Renault automobiles – in addition to these of its Dacia model and companion Nissan – may be part of the transfer.

The grievance, first reported by Le Parisien newspaper, can be filed with the Nanterre prison court docket, with claims starting from “aggravated deceit, questionable enterprise practices” to “fraud” and “endangering the lifetime of others,” the lawyer stated.

The choice to file the grievance follows unsuccessful discussions between Renault and the plaintiffs over the defective engines, he added.

It is going to be as much as prosecutors to resolve whether or not to open a proper investigation.

A Renault spokesperson stated the corporate had been offering technical help and monetary assist to affected prospects.

“The Renault Group by no means stopped and continues reviewing calls for that it’s receiving,” the spokesperson stated.

A spokesperson for Nissan, which produces some fashions with Renault, stated it was “supporting any prospects which will expertise engine noise, misfiring, low energy, or over consumption of oil beneath our guarantee and buyer help insurance policies.”

The shoppers say the automakers ought to have issued a recall once they found a problem with the 1.2-litre engine utilized in 400,000 automobiles in Europe between 2012 and 2016.

Renault has acknowledged the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil and that 133,050 automobiles in France have been probably affected, but additionally stated there was no security danger – some extent disputed by the shopper group.

“Help calls for that would not be addressed have all been fastidiously reviewed and a solution has been given,” Renault stated.