2019 Renault Clio: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2019 Renault Clios, from 15,217 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 2019 Renault Clios than on all cars registered in 2019.
- Tyre condition2.2× usualRenault Clio30.2% All 2019 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 joint7.4× usualRenault Clio7.4% All 2019 cars1%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Wipers2.7× usualRenault Clio7.1% All 2019 cars2.6%Rough price £15–£60
At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Rigid brake pipes10× usualRenault Clio4% All 2019 cars0.4%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.
- Wheels5.3× usualRenault Clio4.2% All 2019 cars0.8%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 2019 Renault Clio MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres41% 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.
- Brakes23% 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.
- Suspension12% 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 electrics12% 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 mirrors10% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 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 2019 Renault Clios registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score