Used car guide

2008 Renault Koleos: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Renault Koleoss, from 180 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 180 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

180MOT tests in 2025
48%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
7,000typical miles a year
4.9×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Renault Koleoss than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Track rod ends4.9× usual
    Renault Koleos
    27.2% All 2008 cars
    5.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 16.1%, against 2.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    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.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
    Renault Koleos
    23.9% All 2008 cars
    11.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

By area

The share of 2008 Renault Koleos MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    68% 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 electrics
    39% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    38% 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.

  • Tyres
    33% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    13% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    13% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Renault Koleos?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2020480Brakes 25%
20191,002Tyres 25%
2018906Brakes 25%
2017673Tyres 28%
2009598Suspension 68%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Renault Koleoss registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score