Used car guide

2004 Renault Megane: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Renault Meganes, from 729 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

729MOT tests in 2025
53%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)
4,600typical miles a year
5.3×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 Renault Meganes than on all cars registered in 2004.

  • Steering rack inner joints5.3× usual
    Renault Megane
    20.3% All 2004 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Brake discs2× usual
    Renault Megane
    26.6% All 2004 cars
    13.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Ball joint2.3× usual
    Renault Megane
    15.4% All 2004 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    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.

  • Anti-lock braking system3.6× usual
    Renault Megane
    4.7% All 2004 cars
    1.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Airbag warning light2.8× usual
    Renault Megane
    4.5% All 2004 cars
    1.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    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.

Better than most

Engine oil leaks: 7.1% here, against 15.8% of all 2004 cars.

By area

The share of 2004 Renault Megane MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    49% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    49% 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.

  • Brakes
    46% 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
    31% 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.

  • Steering
    24% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • 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.

Looking at a Renault Megane?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20221,296Tyres 28%
2021788Tyres 26%
20201,049Tyres 27%
20192,489Tyres 31%
20181,929Tyres 32%
20174,699Tyres 35%
20164,758Suspension 33%
20156,255Suspension 48%
20146,723Suspension 52%
20136,683Suspension 51%
20128,007Suspension 52%
201111,251Suspension 53%
201013,202Suspension 53%
20096,994Suspension 54%
20083,949Lights and electrics 54%
20074,048Lights and electrics 54%
20062,319Lights and electrics 54%
20051,428Lights and electrics 50%
2003556Lights and electrics 45%
20021,110Lights and electrics 44%
2001715Lights and electrics 42%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Renault Meganes registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score