Part of the Renault Clio Mk5 (2019–2024) guide: best and worst years compared.

Used car guide

2021 Renault Clio: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Renault Clio first registered in 2021: we looked at the 18,675 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

18,675MOTs of 2021 cars, done in 2023–2025
86%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
6,600typical miles a year
27%had tyres flagged

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

FuelPass first timeStands outMOTs
Petrol86%Wipers 1.6×15,283
Diesel81%Tread depth 1.7×, Suspension arm bushes and joints 7.8×546
Hybrid87%Wheels 4.3×, Braking performance 3×2,846

Common 2021 Renault Clio MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Renault Clio MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    27% 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.

  • Brakes
    11% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Lights and electrics
    4% 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
    3% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    2% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 Renault Clio

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Electrical faults on hybrids

    E-Tech hybrid

    The E-Tech hybrid has drawn criticism for electrical problems that often needed dealer attention. The 1.0 TCe petrol has no known reliability concerns.

    At the viewing: Check for warning lights and test the electrics.

    Source: What Car?: used Renault Clio (2019 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Renault Clio

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Has it had any hybrid or electrical faults fixed?
  2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Renault Clio?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Renault Clio compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023552Tyres 21%
20228,306Tyres 27%
202032,406Tyres 28%
201950,835Tyres 36%
201858,620Tyres 37%
201757,490Tyres 35%
201666,644Tyres 36%
201572,358Brakes 39%
201478,406Brakes 43%
201360,231Brakes 41%
201243,981Suspension 48%
201152,540Suspension 48%
201070,571Suspension 48%
200949,852Suspension 49%
200848,252Suspension 52%
200759,758Suspension 52%
200645,356Suspension 51%
200527,751Lights and electrics 50%
200422,820Suspension 51%
200315,292Suspension 52%
200210,109Suspension 47%
20015,912Suspension 45%
20003,128Suspension 46%
19991,548Suspension 47%
1998678Suspension 45%
1997375Suspension 42%
1996483Suspension 38%
1995548Brakes 29%
1994427Suspension 22%
1993176Brakes 27%
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Renault Clio cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score