Used Renault Samsung SM6 Common Problems, Pros, Cons, and Prices (2016-2020)

The Renault Samsung SM6 is a Korean-market midsize sedan with futuristic styling and a premium image. It won Korean automotive media awards for 2017 Car of the Year and Design of the Year in the original article context.

The car looks distinctive, but second-row ride comfort can limit its appeal as a family car. This guide covers common problems, pros, cons, buying tips, and used prices for 2016-2020 SM6 models.

SM6 Common Problems and Defects

The original article was based on owner communities, Korean recall-center information, and news articles.

• S-Link issue: the infotainment screen can go black, stop responding to touch, or turn off. Check it before buying because HVAC controls can become inconvenient. A service-center software update often resolves the issue.
• Rear-side sensor issue: warning sounds can occur even when no vehicle or object is beside or behind the car.
• Undercover issue: for some vehicles produced from October 2015 to October 2016, the lower driver-side undercover could detach due to insufficient fixing force. The recall added two tree clips.
• Stalling issue: some SM6 LPe vehicles produced from December 2015 to September 2016 had a stalling issue while driving, often reported on slopes. An engine-control software update was used as the remedy.
• Water-pump issue: some vehicles produced from January to March 2016 were recalled because a manufacturing problem could crack the water-pump pulley hub. Renault service centers inspected and replaced affected parts.

SM6 Pros

• Attractive design, especially the front lighting and grille.
• Stable highway driving feel, with the car feeling planted at speed.
• The fuel filler is on the right side, which can make refueling faster when many Korean domestic cars are queued on the other side.
• Heavy depreciation makes used pricing attractive compared with the new-car price.

SM6 Cons

• Second-row ride comfort is poor because of the torsion-beam suspension. The original article does not recommend it as a family car.
• The dual-clutch DCT can feel jerky at low speed. This is treated as a characteristic of the transmission rather than a defect.
• Repair costs can be 1.5-2 times higher than Hyundai or Kia in the original Korean comparison, and official service-center appointments can be inconvenient.

Used SM6 Buying Tips

For 2016-2020 used SM6 models, the original article recommends the 2.0 LPG model or 2.0 gasoline model. The 1.6-liter model has limited listings, and the diesel model is often criticized for weak performance.

Trim levels in the original article are SE, PE, LE, and RE, with RE being higher. Because used prices do not vary dramatically by trim compared with the new-car gap, the article recommends LE or RE.

The RE trim can include blind-spot warning, ambient lighting, LED fog lights, front and side parking sensors, passenger power seat, and memory seat.

The article recommends choosing 2018 or later models rather than early 2016-2017 examples because some early problems were improved. It also recommends a test drive because harsh previous use can lead to costly DCT repairs later.

Used SM6 Prices

The SM6 was sold new from about KRW 22.68 million to KRW 34.31 million. As of November 2023 in the original article, used prices were about KRW 6.0-16.3 million.

Actual transaction prices can vary by options, mileage, accident history, and maintenance condition.