Renault Clio Mk4: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the Renault Clio Mk4 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 146,037 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Renault Clio Mk4, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 53% | 66% -13 | Rigid brake pipes 4.3× usual | 19,698 |
| 2014 | 53% | 69% -16 | Rigid brake pipes 6.1× usual | 25,884 |
| 2015 | 56% | 72% -16 | Rigid brake pipes 8.1× usual | 23,952 |
| 2016 | 57% | 75% -18 | Rigid brake pipes 8.1× usual | 22,288 |
| 2017 | 63% | 78% -15 | Rigid brake pipes 9.9× usual | 19,257 |
| 2018 | 69% | 81% -12 | Tyre condition 1.8× usual | 19,741 |
| 2019* | 72% | 84% -12 | Tyre condition 2.2× usual | 15,217 |
Weak spots across the Renault Clio Mk4
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.
- Rigid brake pipesup to 10.9× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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.
- Ball jointup to 8.1× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Braking performanceup to 4.2× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Coil springsup to 4.4× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt 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.
- Drive shaft (CV) jointsup to 5.6× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Tyre conditionup to 1.8× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2018, 2017.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- Several recalls
There were eight recalls, including brake hoses, fuel leaks and wheels coming loose.
Check: Ask a Renault dealer to confirm all recall work was done.
- Ignition coils
Coils can fail and cause poor running or misfires.
Check: Listen for rough running and look for a flashing engine light.
- ABS and tyre pressure warnings
ABS and tyre pressure sensors can fail.
Check: Check no warning lights stay on after starting.
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
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