Most Reliable Renault Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 1,016,493 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Renault models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
1,016,493 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Renault model from 1986-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Renault KADJAR
79.7% pass rate
Best Single Year
MASTER 2007 Diesel
64.3% pass rate
Renault vs National Average
61.8% vs 71.4%
-9.7% below average
Proven Durability Champion
R5
+9.9% at 21+ years
Renault ranks #169 out of 180 manufacturers, below the national average. We analysed 1,016,493 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find the most reliable Renault models and which years to avoid.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Renault models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Renault Compares to Rivals
Renault ranks #169 out of 180 manufacturers with a 61.8% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dacia | 72.0% | #127 | 180,129 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #143 | 4,473,074 |
| Peugeot | 66.0% | #152 | 1,445,748 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #155 | 3,052,659 |
| Citroen | 63.1% | #165 | 1,035,382 |
| Renault | 61.8% | #169 | 1,016,493 |
The verdict: Dacia maintains a lead among competitors, while Renault sits at #169.
Best Renault Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Renault's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KADJAR | 79.7% | +8.2% | 68,072 | 2005-2021 |
| CAPTUR | 79.4% | +7.9% | 146,032 | 2013-2022 |
| ZOE | 77.1% | +5.6% | 15,867 | 2012-2022 |
| KOLEOS | 73.9% | +2.5% | 4,485 | 2008-2021 |
| MASTER | 66.8% | -4.7% | 16,039 | 1987-2023 |
| WIND | 58.7% | -12.7% | 2,182 | 2010-2012 |
| CLIO | 56.8% | -14.6% | 340,161 | 1990-2022 |
| SCENIC | 56.1% | -15.3% | 43,183 | 1999-2020 |
| MEGANE | 54.4% | -17.0% | 120,674 | 1996-2022 |
| GRAND SCENIC | 54.0% | -17.4% | 24,530 | 2000-2020 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Renault Models Age Best?
Here's how Renault models have performed over 11+ years of real-world MOT testing, compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R5 | - | All | +9.9% | 21+ years | 70.9% |
| MASTER | - | All | +4.6% | 15-17 years | 62.4% |
| MASTER | - | All | +3.8% | 18-20 years | 59.9% |
| MASTER | - | All | +0.7% | 11-14 years | 65.3% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Renault models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - too early to assess long-term reliability. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPTUR | - | All | +1.0% | 3-7 years | 85.8% |
| KADJAR | - | All | +0.4% | 8-10 years | 75.8% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Renault CLIO: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The CLIO has 340,161 tests in our database with an overall 56.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 84.5% | -3.1% | 10,221 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 80.3% | -7.4% | 613 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 82.2% | -4.0% | 14,742 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 76.5% | -9.7% | 2,392 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 80.2% | -4.0% | 15,941 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 74.7% | -9.5% | 3,901 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 73.8% | -7.9% | 13,611 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 69.7% | -12.0% | 5,857 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 64.2% | -14.4% | 15,413 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 60.3% | -18.4% | 7,130 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 59.7% | -15.8% | 14,527 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 57.6% | -17.9% | 10,040 |
| ... | ||||
| 2015 | Petrol | 59.7% | -15.8% | 14,527 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 57.6% | -17.9% | 10,040 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 56.9% | -14.8% | 16,883 |
CLIO verdict: Avoid the 2015 petrol (59.7%).
Avoid 1999-2015 CLIOs
The 2015 petrol CLIO has a 59.7% pass rate, well below the national average.
Renault CAPTUR: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The CAPTUR has 146,032 tests in our database with an overall 79.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 92.4% | +1.5% | 552 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.4% | +2.7% | 12,255 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 87.8% | +0.1% | 1,160 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.0% | +1.8% | 14,922 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 83.1% | -3.1% | 5,198 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.5% | +0.2% | 14,619 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 82.6% | -1.7% | 6,247 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 84.0% | +2.4% | 10,571 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 82.9% | +1.2% | 8,798 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 80.9% | +2.2% | 9,924 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 78.2% | -0.5% | 14,413 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 77.0% | +1.5% | 7,948 |
| ... | ||||
| 2013 | Diesel | 55.9% | -12.4% | 2,708 |
CAPTUR verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves a 92.4% pass rate (21 points above average). Avoid the 2013 diesel (55.9%).
Avoid the 2013 CAPTUR
The 2013 diesel CAPTUR has a 55.9% pass rate, well below the national average.
Renault MEGANE: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The MEGANE has 120,674 tests in our database with an overall 54.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 86.5% | -1.2% | 667 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 81.6% | -4.6% | 1,830 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 68.5% | -17.8% | 742 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 82.2% | -2.0% | 1,141 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 75.1% | -9.1% | 916 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 81.5% | -0.2% | 1,087 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 74.1% | -7.6% | 4,169 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 79.1% | +0.4% | 970 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 71.1% | -7.6% | 4,302 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 72.8% | -2.7% | 716 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 59.8% | -15.6% | 5,927 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 60.2% | -11.4% | 893 |
| ... | ||||
| 2015 | Diesel | 59.8% | -15.6% | 5,927 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 53.2% | -18.5% | 6,422 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 55.1% | -13.2% | 1,620 |
MEGANE verdict: Avoid the 2015 diesel (59.8%).
Avoid 2000-2015 MEGANEs
The 2015 diesel MEGANE has a 59.8% pass rate, well below the national average.
Renault KADJAR: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The KADJAR has 68,072 tests in our database with an overall 79.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 86.5% | -1.2% | 7,217 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 81.9% | -5.8% | 1,186 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 84.6% | -1.6% | 10,165 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 81.9% | -4.3% | 1,565 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 79.0% | -5.2% | 3,942 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 78.7% | -5.6% | 7,069 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 79.7% | -2.0% | 5,576 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 78.4% | -3.3% | 9,051 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 78.9% | +0.3% | 3,167 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 75.8% | -2.8% | 15,950 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 71.7% | -3.8% | 2,684 |
KADJAR verdict:
Renault Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Renault. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 91.9% | +20.5% | 692 |
| Electric | 77.0% | +5.6% | 19,608 |
| Petrol | 62.4% | -9.0% | 522,896 |
| Diesel | 60.4% | -11.0% | 473,147 |
The hybrid advantage: Renault hybrids pass MOTs 30% more often than petrols and 32% more often than diesels.
Renault Models to Avoid
Not all Renaults are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KANGOO | 2017 | Diesel | 57.4% | 2,347 |
| KANGOO | 2013 | Diesel | 44.9% | 2,338 |
| KANGOO | 2018 | Diesel | 62.0% | 2,212 |
| KANGOO | 2016 | Diesel | 57.8% | 3,403 |
| G | 2014 | Diesel | 51.2% | 756 |
| KANGOO | 2019 | Diesel | 65.9% | 2,232 |
| KANGOO | 2015 | Diesel | 55.3% | 4,082 |
| TRAFIC | 2014 | Diesel | 52.4% | 7,012 |
| CLIO | 2012 | Diesel | 46.9% | 3,119 |
| MEGANE | 2014 | Diesel | 53.2% | 6,418 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2013-2019 diesel KANGOOs are the models that drag down Renault's average. The TRAFIC performs 17% worse than the average car of the same age at 11-14 years - this is proven poor durability. These models have significantly higher failure rates than average.
What Goes Wrong on Renaults?
When Renaults fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 168,843 |
| 2. Suspension | 160,354 |
| 3. Brakes | 100,807 |
| 4. Tyres | 73,110 |
| 5. Visibility | 66,474 |
| 6. Steering | 57,189 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 47,311 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Renault owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- CAPTUR S EDITION TCE AUTO 2020 Petrol: 91% pass rate
- CAPTUR ICONIC TCE AUTO 2020 Petrol: 91% pass rate
- CAPTUR S EDITION TCE 2020 Petrol: 91% pass rate
- CAPTUR 2020 Petrol: 90% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- R5 (21+ years): +10% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Renault Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- TRAFIC (11-14 years): -12% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
- KANGOO (11-14 years): -10% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
- GRAND SCENIC (11-14 years): -12% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
- CLIO (11-14 years): -11% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 1,016,493 tests on Renault vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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