Most Reliable Renault Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 1,009,899 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Renault models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
1,009,899 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Renault model from 2000-2023
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 71.5%
-9.7% below average
Proven Durability Champion
MASTER 2007
+7.0% at 13+ years
Renault has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 1,009,899 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Renault models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Renault model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Renault Compares to Rivals
Renault ranks #66 out of 75 manufacturers with a 61.8% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dacia | 72.0% | #44 | 180,123 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Peugeot | 66.1% | #58 | 1,428,753 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
| Citroen | 63.1% | #61 | 1,028,111 |
| Renault | 61.8% | #66 | 1,009,899 |
The verdict: Dacia maintains a lead among competitors, while Renault sits at #66. However, newer Renault models significantly outperform this average.
Best Renault Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Renault's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KADJAR | 79.7% | +8.2% | 68,006 | 2015-2021 |
| CAPTUR | 79.3% | +7.8% | 145,238 | 2013-2021 |
| ZOE | 76.9% | +5.4% | 15,685 | 2013-2020 |
| KOLEOS | 74.1% | +2.6% | 4,211 | 2008-2020 |
| MASTER | 66.5% | -5.0% | 15,268 | 2000-2022 |
| TWINGO | 63.8% | -7.7% | 26,066 | 2007-2019 |
| WIND | 58.6% | -12.9% | 2,137 | 2010-2011 |
| TRAFIC | 57.7% | -13.8% | 105,945 | 2002-2020 |
| CLIO | 56.7% | -14.8% | 337,370 | 2000-2021 |
| SCENIC | 56.0% | -15.5% | 42,751 | 2001-2019 |
Proven Durability Champions: Which Renault Models Age Best?
These Renault models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASTER | 2007 | Diesel | +7.0% | 13+ years | 64.3% |
| MASTER | 2006 | Diesel | +5.4% | 13+ years | 62.7% |
| MASTER | 2009 | Diesel | +5.0% | 13+ years | 62.3% |
| MASTER | 2005 | Diesel | +3.2% | 13+ years | 60.5% |
| MASTER | 2008 | Diesel | +2.9% | 13+ years | 60.2% |
| TWINGO | 2009 | Petrol | +1.9% | 13+ years | 59.2% |
| SCENIC | 2010 | Petrol | +1.4% | 13+ years | 58.7% |
| KANGOO | 2008 | Petrol | +0.3% | 13+ years | 57.6% |
| KANGOO | 2010 | Petrol | +0.2% | 11-12 years | 63.0% |
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 - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. 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 | 2017 | Petrol | +2.8% | 5-6 years | 84.0% |
| CAPTUR | 2019 | Petrol | +2.1% | 3-4 years | 88.0% |
| CAPTUR | 2017 | Diesel | +1.7% | 5-6 years | 82.9% |
| CAPTUR | 2018 | Petrol | +1.6% | 5-6 years | 82.8% |
| KADJAR | 2020 | Petrol | +1.0% | 3-4 years | 86.8% |
| CAPTUR | 2016 | Petrol | +0.6% | 5-6 years | 81.8% |
| TWINGO | 2017 | Petrol | +0.5% | 5-6 years | 81.7% |
| MEGANE | 2017 | Petrol | +0.3% | 5-6 years | 81.5% |
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 337,370 tests in our database with an overall 56.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 92.3% | +1.4% | 246 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 88.8% | +1.2% | 251 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 84.5% | -3.1% | 9,855 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 79.8% | -7.8% | 481 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 82.2% | -4.0% | 14,650 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 76.6% | -9.6% | 2,379 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 80.2% | -4.0% | 15,937 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 74.7% | -9.5% | 3,901 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 73.8% | -7.9% | 13,610 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 69.7% | -12.0% | 5,857 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 64.2% | -14.4% | 15,412 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 60.3% | -18.4% | 7,128 |
| ... | ||||
| 2015 | Petrol | 59.7% | -15.8% | 14,527 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 57.6% | -17.9% | 10,040 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 56.9% | -14.8% | 16,880 |
CLIO verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 92.3% pass rate. Avoid the 2015 petrol (59.7%).
Avoid early CLIO models
The 2015 petrol CLIO has a 59.7% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Renault CAPTUR: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The CAPTUR has 145,238 tests in our database with an overall 79.3% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 93.6% | +2.7% | 373 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 94.3% | +6.7% | 177 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.3% | +2.7% | 12,000 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 87.5% | -0.2% | 965 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.0% | +1.8% | 14,847 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 83.1% | -3.1% | 5,197 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.5% | +0.2% | 14,615 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 82.6% | -1.7% | 6,246 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 84.0% | +2.4% | 10,571 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 82.9% | +1.2% | 8,798 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 80.9% | +2.2% | 9,923 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 78.2% | -0.5% | 14,412 |
| ... | ||||
| 2013 | Diesel | 55.9% | -12.4% | 2,707 |
CAPTUR verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 93.6% pass rate. Avoid the 2013 diesel (55.9%).
Avoid early CAPTUR models
The 2013 diesel CAPTUR has a 55.9% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Renault TRAFIC: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The TRAFIC has 105,945 tests in our database with an overall 57.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 79.3% | -8.4% | 4,052 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 75.5% | -10.7% | 8,023 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 71.1% | -13.2% | 7,402 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 65.8% | -15.9% | 9,255 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 63.5% | -15.1% | 12,520 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 59.5% | -16.0% | 10,951 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 52.4% | -19.3% | 7,012 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 51.1% | -17.2% | 4,442 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 49.0% | -16.6% | 4,678 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 45.0% | -18.0% | 6,573 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 47.7% | -12.8% | 5,561 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 48.8% | -10.2% | 3,260 |
| ... | ||||
| 2015 | Diesel | 59.5% | -16.0% | 10,951 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 52.4% | -19.3% | 7,012 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 51.1% | -17.2% | 4,442 |
TRAFIC verdict: Avoid the 2015 diesel (59.5%).
Avoid early TRAFIC models
The 2015 diesel TRAFIC has a 59.5% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Renault KADJAR: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The KADJAR has 68,006 tests in our database with an overall 79.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 92.0% | +1.1% | 100 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 86.5% | -1.2% | 7,217 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 81.9% | -5.8% | 1,167 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 84.6% | -1.6% | 10,165 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 81.9% | -4.3% | 1,534 |
| 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 | Petrol | 76.8% | +1.3% | 384 |
KADJAR verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 92.0% pass rate.
Renault Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Renault's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 91.1% | +19.6% | 428 |
| Electric | 76.8% | +5.3% | 18,818 |
| Petrol | 62.4% | -9.1% | 514,253 |
| Diesel | 60.3% | -11.2% | 464,808 |
The hybrid advantage: Renault hybrids pass MOTs 29% more often than petrols and 31% 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% (-24.7% vs same-age) | 2,347 |
| KANGOO | 2013 | Diesel | 44.9% (-26.4% vs same-age) | 2,338 |
| KANGOO | 2018 | Diesel | 62.0% (-23.0% vs same-age) | 2,212 |
| KANGOO | 2016 | Diesel | 57.8% (-22.3% vs same-age) | 3,403 |
| G | 2014 | Diesel | 51.2% (-23.8% vs same-age) | 756 |
| KANGOO | 2019 | Diesel | 65.9% | 2,232 |
| KANGOO | 2015 | Diesel | 55.3% (-21.9% vs same-age) | 4,082 |
| TRAFIC | 2014 | Diesel | 52.4% (-22.3% vs same-age) | 7,012 |
| CLIO | 2012 | Diesel | 46.9% (-22.1% vs same-age) | 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 KANGOO 2011 performs 18% worse than the average car of the same age at 11-12 years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
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 | 165,868 |
| 2. Suspension | 158,224 |
| 3. Brakes | 98,811 |
| 4. Tyres | 72,233 |
| 5. Visibility | 65,280 |
| 6. Steering | 56,246 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 45,950 |
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
- MASTER 2005-2009: +5% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Renault Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- KANGOO 2010-2012: -16% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
- CLIO 2010-2012: -17% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
- TRAFIC 2011: -18% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 1,009,899 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: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
Check Any Vehicle's MOT History
Get the full MOT history, mileage records, and reliability insights for any UK vehicle. Make an informed decision before you buy.
Run a Free Check