Used car guide · 2005–2012

Renault Clio Mk3: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How every year of the Renault Clio Mk3 did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 115,007 MOT tests.

2005best year: 50% pass first time, 8 points below all 2005 cars
2011weakest year: 46% pass first time, 15 points below all 2011 cars
Track rod endsthe weak spot that shows up in 7 different years

Year by year

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Renault Clio Mk3, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

30%65%100%2005: 50% pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%) 50% 20052006: 48% pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%) 48% 20062007: 47% pass first time (all 2007 cars: 57%) 47% 20072008: 47% pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%) 47% 20082009: 46% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%) 46% 20092010: 46% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%) 46% 20102011: 46% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%) 46% 20112012: 47% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%) 47% 2012*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
200550%58% -8Anti-roll bar link bushes 6.3× usual7,276
200648%57% -9Ball joint 2.2× usual11,743
200747%57% -10Track rod ends 2.8× usual16,130
200847%57% -10Track rod ends 3.4× usual13,522
200946%58% -12Track rod ends 3.5× usual14,741
201046%59% -13Track rod ends 3.4× usual21,341
201146%61% -15Coil springs 1.9× usual16,313
2012*47%63% -16Coil springs 2.2× usual13,941

Weak spots across the Renault Clio Mk3

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Track rod endsup to 3.5× usual

    Stands out in 7 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    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 jointup to 2.3× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

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

  • Sidelightsup to 2.1× usual

    Stands out in 4 years: 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

  • Number plate lightsup to 2× usual

    Stands out in 4 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

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

  • Washersup to 2.4× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2009, 2007, 2006.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

  • Coil springsup to 1.9× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2011, 2010, 2006.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    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.

Known faults

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Valve recall (early 1.2)

    Early 1.2 petrols were recalled for valve parts that could destroy the engine.

    Check: Ask a Renault dealer to check the VIN.

    Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

  • Surging idle and stalling

    A dirty throttle body makes the idle rise and fall, with stalling and slow starting. It's a cheap fix.

    Check: Let it idle and watch the rev counter.

    Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

  • Squeal from the alternator

    A chirp on start-up is often a worn alternator pulley or a failing alternator.

    Check: Listen when the engine starts.

    If it needs doing: Alternator, about £150–£400. ClickMechanic

    Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

  • Heavy steering and front knocks

    Worn front strut top bushes make the steering heavy and knock over bumps.

    Check: Feel the steering and listen over bumps.

    Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

Looking at a Renault Clio?

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