Used buying checklist
Renault Twingo reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Renault Twingo looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 24.2% of 33,917 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 24.2% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 54,909 miles
- 8,200 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (29.3 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include excessively corroded, ferrule excessively corroded, and corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- excessively corroded
- ferrule excessively corroded
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- corroded and seriously weakened
- ball joint has excessive play
- ball joint excessively worn
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
- imbalanced across an axle
- inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
- warning lamp indicates an ABS fault
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
The model's recorded failure rate is 24.2%, +5.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed33,917 tests
- Median tested mileage54,909 miles
- Failed MOT tests8,200
Should you buy a used Renault Twingo?
75.8% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 24.2%, +5.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "excessively corroded"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (29.3 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Renault Twingo, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 0-3 years to 30.4% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (29.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (19.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (14.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (13.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (7.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Renault Twingo, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (29.3 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Renault Twingo mainly involve 4 areas: mixed recall notices, brakes, seatbelts and safety systems, and suspension and steering. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Renault Twingo, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 14,820 | 11,969 | 17.3%+6.5 percentage points vs all models | 32,606 miles |
| 50-100k | 15,565 | 10,859 | 29.0%+8.3 percentage points vs all models | 69,789 miles |
| 100-150k | 3,186 | 2,165 | 32.6%+6.4 percentage points vs all models | 112,548 miles |
| 150-200k | 158 | 108 | 33.5%+6.3 percentage points vs all models | 162,427 miles |
| 200k+ | 13 | 9 | 30.8%+4.2 percentage points vs all models | 227,064 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Renault Twingo, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 0-3 years to 30.4% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 30.4% for 15+ years cars, based on 3,190 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
1 | 1 | 0.0%-8.4 percentage points vs all models | 2.7 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
2,161 | 1,865 | 12.0%+1.4 percentage points vs all models | 5.3 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
12,506 | 9,792 | 19.8%+3.1 percentage points vs all models | 7.9 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
16,059 | 11,409 | 28.0%+4.5 percentage points vs all models | 13.0 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
3,190 | 2,251 | 30.4%+4.5 percentage points vs all models | 15.4 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2017-11-28 | RISK OF DEGRADATION TO THE FRONT LEFT SUB AXLE CARRIER Depending on driving style and road profile there is a risk of degradation of the front left sub axle carrier. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and checking the front left stub axle carrier casting number Where necessary replace the stub axle carrier. |
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| 2017-05-09 | OUTER SKIN OF REAR SPOILER MAY DETACH The outer part (skin) of the rear spoiler may detach from the vehicle and /or the pins on the glass tailgate. There would be no warning to the customer. However the possibility of detachment is increased due to the use of car washes. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit additional re-enforcement to the spoiler and bonnet. |
| 2017-05-09 | OUTER SKIN OF REAR SPOILER AND BONNET MAY DETACH Operations 1) or 2) or operations 1) and 2) could be required: 1) The upper part of the bonnet (the bonnet skin) may detach from the rest of the bonnet due to poor adhesive being applied at the factory and deterioration over time. There would be no obvious signs to the customer. 2) The outer part (skin) of the rear spoiler may detach from the vehicle and /or the pins on the glass tailgate. There would be no warning to the customer. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and add re-enforcement to the spoiler and/or bonnet or both as required. |
| 2015-06-23 | POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF CONTROL The front shock absorber (strut) mounting for the anti-roll bar rod may not be welded correctly. If the welding should fail there will initially be noise leading to the possibility for adversely affected vehicle handling because the anti-roll bar will no longer be connected the risk of contact and damage to the wheel rim tyre brake hose and ABS cable. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the shocker absorber (strut) build dates. The shock absorber that are in the affected range will be replaced. |
| 2015-03-26 | SEATBELTS MAY MALFUNCTION IN A COLLISION Due to an error in the manufacturing process the seat belt buckle may not retain the belt during a frontal impact. On affected vehicles check build date of seat belt assembly and replace if necessary. |
| 2015-03-26 | RISK OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION Due to an error in the engine ECU software it is possible that the vehicle will suffer an unintended acceleration or not able to decelerate. The driver should still be able to control the vehicle by applying the brakes and manipulating the clutch and gears. Recall all affected vehicles to reprogram the engine ECU with new software. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Renault Twingo. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Renault reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.