Renault reliability and common MOT problems by model
Renault shows a 24.8% combined MOT failure rate across 1,389,303 tests in MOTIntel data. Captur Iconic Tce has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 7.1%. Modus deserves extra checking at 30.4%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Renault combined failure rate: 24.8% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #43 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Which Renault models look strongest?
Captur Iconic Tce (7.1%), Clio Iconic Tce (12.7%), Kadjar (13.4%), Captur (14.8%), Zoe (21.2%)
Which Renault models need extra caution?
Modus (30.4%), Laguna (29.3%), Megane (28.3%), Grand Scenic (28.2%), Kangoo (28.1%)
Most reliable Renault models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renault Captur Iconic Tce | 7.1% | 5,055 tests | 4,534 vehicles |
| 2 | Renault Clio Iconic Tce | 12.7% | 6,910 tests | 5,763 vehicles |
| 3 | Renault Kadjar | 13.4% | 78,274 tests | 65,005 vehicles |
| 4 | Renault Captur | 14.8% | 157,015 tests | 128,585 vehicles |
| 5 | Renault Zoe | 21.2% | 12,179 tests | 9,337 vehicles |
Renault models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renault Modus | 30.4% | 19,443 tests | 13,389 vehicles |
| 2 | Renault Laguna | 29.3% | 15,606 tests | 11,183 vehicles |
| 3 | Renault Megane | 28.3% | 157,610 tests | 111,621 vehicles |
| 4 | Renault Grand Scenic | 28.2% | 33,255 tests | 23,538 vehicles |
| 5 | Renault Kangoo | 28.1% | 78,950 tests | 55,346 vehicles |
Common Renault MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension and steering | 404,854 MOT notes | 16 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Renault Trafic, Renault Scenic, Renault Grand Scenic |
| 2 | Corrosion and structure | 310,855 MOT notes | 15 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Renault Kangoo, Renault Laguna, Renault Modus |
| 3 | Lights and electrical | 228,297 MOT notes | 16 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Renault Megane Scenic, Renault Modus, Renault Laguna |
| 4 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 121,683 MOT notes | 16 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Renault Kangoo, Renault Master, Renault Trafic |
| 5 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 107,959 MOT notes | 16 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Renault Megane Scenic, Renault Modus, Renault Twingo |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 31,677 MOT notes | 16 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Renault Trafic, Renault Captur Iconic Tce, Renault Master |
All Renault model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clio | 442,016 | 315,503 | 27.7% |
| Megane | 157,610 | 111,621 | 28.3% |
| Trafic | 157,258 | 113,204 | 27.4% |
| Captur | 157,015 | 128,585 | 14.8% |
| Master | 86,765 | 63,460 | 25.4% |
| Kangoo | 78,950 | 55,346 | 28.1% |
| Kadjar | 78,274 | 65,005 | 13.4% |
| Scenic | 57,894 | 41,663 | 27.4% |
| Twingo | 33,917 | 25,179 | 24.2% |
| Grand Scenic | 33,255 | 23,538 | 28.2% |
| Modus | 19,443 | 13,389 | 30.4% |
| Laguna | 15,606 | 11,183 | 29.3% |
| Zoe | 12,179 | 9,337 | 21.2% |
| Clio Iconic Tce | 6,910 | 5,763 | 12.7% |
| Megane Scenic | 5,522 | 4,080 | 25.7% |
| Captur Iconic Tce | 5,055 | 4,534 | 7.1% |
| Grand Modus limited data | 4,643 | 3,188 | 29.2% |
| Koleos limited data | 4,579 | 3,573 | 19.6% |
| Wind limited data | 2,866 | 2,047 | 28.0% |
| Zoe I Gt Ln Rapid Charge Ze 50 limited data | 2,819 | 2,563 | 7.4% |
| Grand Espace limited data | 2,620 | 1,843 | 29.7% |
| Captur S Edition Tce limited data | 2,474 | 2,204 | 6.9% |
| Espace limited data | 2,439 | 1,712 | 30.0% |
| Trafic Sl28 Sport Energy Dci limited data | 2,060 | 1,724 | 12.6% |
| Trafic Sl28 B Ness Energy Dci limited data | 2,040 | 1,688 | 14.5% |
| Captur S Edition Tce Auto limited data | 2,032 | 1,810 | 6.5% |
| Unclassified limited data | 2,004 | 1,551 | 19.7% |
| Clio Rs Line Tce limited data | 1,761 | 1,507 | 10.4% |
| Master Lm35 Business Dci limited data | 1,459 | 1,182 | 15.5% |
| G Scenic D Que Tt Energy Dciss limited data | 1,368 | 946 | 28.6% |
| Trafic Ll30 Sport Energy Dci limited data | 1,360 | 1,133 | 13.4% |
| Zoe I Gt Line Ze 50 limited data | 1,353 | 1,221 | 8.0% |
| G limited data | 1,336 | 937 | 28.3% |
| Clio Rs Line Tce Auto limited data | 1,254 | 1,087 | 9.4% |
| Captur Iconic Tce Auto limited data | 1,167 | 1,032 | 5.9% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.