Used car guide

2012 Renault Clio: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Renault Clios, from 13,941 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

13,941MOT tests in 2025
47%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
6,100typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for coil springs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Renault Clios than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Coil springs2.2× usual
    Renault Clio
    20.8% All 2012 cars
    9.6%
    Rough price £120–£300

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Track rod end2.9× usual
    Renault Clio
    14.3% All 2012 cars
    4.9%
    Rough price £80–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Ball joint2.5× usual
    Renault Clio
    13.8% All 2012 cars
    5.6%
    Rough price £80–£200

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Number plate lights2× usual
    Renault Clio
    14.5% All 2012 cars
    7.3%
    Rough price £5–£40

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Stop lamp2.5× usual
    Renault Clio
    9.6% All 2012 cars
    3.8%
    Rough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Better than most

Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3.1% here, against 10.1% of all 2012 cars.

By area

The share of 2012 Renault Clio MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    50% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    43% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    35% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    31% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    9% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Renault Clio?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
201915,217Tyres 41%
201819,741Tyres 38%
201719,257Tyres 37%
201622,288Tyres 37%
201523,952Brakes 42%
201425,884Brakes 45%
201319,698Brakes 43%
201116,313Suspension 51%
201021,341Suspension 51%
200914,741Suspension 51%
200813,522Suspension 53%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Renault Clios registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score