Renaults don't have the best reputation all right, for some hard info have a look at:
[broken link removed]
I believe the current model had alot of electric problems when it first came out.
Having said that, I've been driving old renault meganes for about 4 years, currently on a '98. In that time I've had the ignition coil burnout, and an exhaust replaced (though I think the garage might have been over zealous with that one, as it was pre an NCT test). No other probs, which is good considering it's left idle for long periods at a time.
They have a good safety reputation as well, I had a high speed crash in my previous one & stepped out of the car with only scratches & bruises.