2018 Renault Clio: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Renault Clios, from 19,741 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 2018 Renault Clios than on all cars registered in 2018.
- Tyre condition1.8× usualRenault Clio25.4% All 2018 cars13.9%Rough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.
- Ball joint8.1× usualRenault Clio10.5% All 2018 cars1.3%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Rigid brake pipes10.9× usualRenault Clio8.7% All 2018 cars0.8%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.
- Coil springs3.6× usualRenault Clio6.2% All 2018 cars1.7%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.
- Braking performance4.2× usualRenault Clio5.9% All 2018 cars1.4%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
By area
The share of 2018 Renault Clio MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Brakes28% 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.
- Suspension18% 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 electrics13% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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.
Looking at a Renault Clio?
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15,217 | Tyres 41% |
| 2017 | 19,257 | Tyres 37% |
| 2016 | 22,288 | Tyres 37% |
| 2015 | 23,952 | Brakes 42% |
| 2014 | 25,884 | Brakes 45% |
| 2013 | 19,698 | Brakes 43% |
| 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 2018 Renault Clios registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score