Used car guide

2012 Renault Megane: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Renault Meganes, from 8,007 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

8,007MOT tests in 2025
52%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
7,800typical miles a year
3.3×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Renault Meganes than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Track rod ends3.3× usual
    Renault Megane
    16.4% All 2012 cars
    4.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 2.4% of all 2012 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.

  • Brake discs1.8× usual
    Renault Megane
    25.6% All 2012 cars
    14.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1% of all 2012 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.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3.7× usual
    Renault Megane
    11.8% All 2012 cars
    3.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.2% of all 2012 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.

  • Coil springs1.7× usual
    Renault Megane
    16.3% All 2012 cars
    9.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.9%, against 4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    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.

  • Brake lights2.7× usual
    Renault Megane
    10.4% All 2012 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3% of all 2012 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

Sub-frame: 1.3% here, against 5% of all 2012 cars. Exhaust system: 2.6% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.

By area

The share of 2012 Renault Megane MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    52% 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
    42% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    35% 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
    9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    9% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

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%
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%
2004729Lights and electrics 49%
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 2012 Renault Meganes registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score