Which Renault models fail their MOT most
34.2% of Renault cars fail first time, against 24.5% across every make. That is 9.7 points worse than average, measured over 707,239 DVSA tests on 18 models.
Every Renault in the data
Sorted by how many tests each one contributes, so the models most people actually buy come first. A linked row has a page of its own.
| Model | Years | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clio | 2014–2017 | 93,743 | 37.9% |
| Captur | 2014–2017 | 85,296 | 23.8% |
| Clio | 2010–2013 | 81,267 | 49.9% |
| Megane | 2010–2013 | 48,588 | 48.8% |
| Captur | 2018–2021 | 43,418 | 14.4% |
| Trafic | 2014–2017 | 39,981 | 38.8% |
| Kadjar | 2014–2017 | 36,966 | 22.9% |
| Clio | 2018–2021 | 35,170 | 19.8% |
| Kadjar | 2018–2021 | 31,350 | 17.1% |
| Megane | 2014–2017 | 23,790 | 35.6% |
| Trafic | 2010–2013 | 21,437 | 51.7% |
| Scenic | 2010–2013 | 17,506 | 44.8% |
| Kangoo | 2010–2013 | 16,921 | 51.5% |
| Trafic | 2018–2021 | 14,596 | 27% |
| Kangoo | 2014–2017 | 13,684 | 43.6% |
| Grand Scenic | 2010–2013 | 11,759 | 50.1% |
| Twingo | 2014–2017 | 10,548 | 26.7% |
| Twingo | 2010–2013 | 9,310 | 43.5% |
| Scenic | 2014–2017 | 8,565 | 32.5% |
| Kangoo | 2018–2021 | 6,879 | 30.7% |
| Clio Iconic Tce | 2018–2021 | 6,116 | 17.2% |
| Captur | 2010–2013 | 5,845 | 40.5% |
| Megane | 2018–2021 | 5,672 | 20.9% |
| Zoe | 2014–2017 | 5,247 | 35.1% |
| Grand Scenic | 2014–2017 | 4,808 | 33.8% |
| Captur Iconic Tce | 2018–2021 | 4,727 | 9.7% |
| Zoe | 2018–2021 | 4,206 | 23.7% |
| Laguna | 2010–2013 | 3,828 | 43.9% |
| Modus | 2010–2013 | 3,146 | 47% |
| Master | 2014–2017 | 2,881 | 24.3% |
| Master | 2010–2013 | 2,840 | 34.3% |
| Zoe I Gt Ln Rapid Charge Ze 50 | 2018–2021 | 2,623 | 10.1% |
| Captur S Edition Tce | 2018–2021 | 2,335 | 9.1% |
| Wind | 2010–2013 | 2,191 | 41.1% |
How a Renault ages
The same manufacturer at three ages. Every make gets worse with age; what differs is how steeply, and that is the part worth knowing before you choose between a cheaper older one and a dearer newer one.
2018–2021
18.3%
157,092 tests
2014–2017
32%
325,509 tests
2010–2013
48.6%
224,638 tests
Best and worst in the range
Least likely to fail
- 14.4% Captur 2018–2021
- 17.1% Kadjar 2018–2021
- 17.2% Clio Iconic Tce 2018–2021
Most likely to fail
- 51.7% Trafic 2010–2013
- 51.5% Kangoo 2010–2013
- 50.1% Grand Scenic 2010–2013
Cohorts with at least 5,000 tests only, so a rare model cannot top either list on thin evidence.
What actually fails on a Renault
Pooled across the whole range and weighted by test count. One model's worst fault is a fact about that model; the same fault across the range is a fact about the make.
- 5.8% Coil spring fractured or broken
- 3.9% Suspension arms ball joint excessively worn
- 3.4% Steering linkage components ball joint has excessive play
- 2% Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
- 1.9% Drive shafts constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- 1.9% Tyres tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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Check the actual Renault you're looking at
This page is the make. Type the registration and you get that car's own MOT history, its mileage record, its tax status and the questions to ask the seller before you travel.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023. Class 4 standard tests only. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Renault and its marks are the property of their owner and are used here to identify the manufacturer this page is about.