2013 Renault Clio: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Renault Clios, from 19,698 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Renault Clios than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Rigid brake pipes4.3× usualRenault Clio20.1% All 2013 cars4.7%Rough price £100–£400
At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints4.3× usualRenault Clio14.1% All 2013 cars3.3%Rough price £60–£350
At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Ball joint3.1× usualRenault Clio15.6% All 2013 cars5%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Braking performance2.6× usualRenault Clio11.5% All 2013 cars4.4%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Wheels3.2× usualRenault Clio4.5% All 2013 cars1.4%Rough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
By area
The share of 2013 Renault Clio MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes43% 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.
- Tyres38% 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.
- Suspension37% 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 electrics27% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints14% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Several recalls
There were eight recalls, including brake hoses, fuel leaks and wheels coming loose.
At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to confirm all recall work was done.
- Ignition coilsPetrol
Coils can fail and cause poor running or misfires.
At the viewing: Listen for rough running and look for a flashing engine light.
- ABS and tyre pressure warnings
ABS and tyre pressure sensors can fail.
At the viewing: Check no warning lights stay on after starting.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15,217 | Tyres 41% |
| 2018 | 19,741 | Tyres 38% |
| 2017 | 19,257 | Tyres 37% |
| 2016 | 22,288 | Tyres 37% |
| 2015 | 23,952 | Brakes 42% |
| 2014 | 25,884 | Brakes 45% |
| 2012 | 13,941 | Suspension 50% |
| 2011 | 16,313 | Suspension 51% |
| 2010 | 21,341 | Suspension 51% |
| 2009 | 14,741 | Suspension 51% |
| 2008 | 13,522 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Renault Clios registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score