Used car guide

2004 Renault Modus: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Renault Moduss, from 401 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 401 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

401MOT tests in 2025
46%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)
3,900typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

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

  • Brake discs2× usual
    Renault Modus
    25.9% All 2004 cars
    13.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, 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.

  • Coil springs1.9× usual
    Renault Modus
    21.2% All 2004 cars
    10.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 2.4% of all 2004 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.

  • Ball joint2.2× usual
    Renault Modus
    14.7% All 2004 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, 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.

  • Track rod ends2× usual
    Renault Modus
    13.5% All 2004 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

  • Sidelights2× usual
    Renault Modus
    13% All 2004 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 5.6% 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.

By area

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

  • Brakes
    52% 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
    50% 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
    50% 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.

  • Tyres
    37% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    22% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% 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 Modus?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012127Suspension 46%
20111,240Suspension 45%
20101,354Suspension 48%
2009811Suspension 42%
20081,481Suspension 48%
20071,440Suspension 49%
20061,518Suspension 48%
20051,866Lights and electrics 52%

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