Used car guide · 1991–2026

Renault Clio common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Renault Clio, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 964,171 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 1992 Renault Clio

Too few Renault Clio cars first registered in 1992 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Renault Clio as a whole.

297on the UK register at the end of 2025
Petrolmost common fuel (also diesel)
What to check on a 1992 car
  • MOT history

    Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.

  • Service history

    Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.

  • Finance and write-offs

    MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.

  • Test drive

    Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997199619951994199319921991

Generation guides: Renault Clio Mk3 (2005–2012) · Renault Clio Mk4 (2013–2019) · Renault Clio Mk5 (2019–2024)

What usually goes wrong with a Renault Clio?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Valve recall (early 1.2)

    Cars registered 2005–2012 · 1.2 petrol

    Early 1.2 petrols were recalled for valve parts that could destroy the engine.

    At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to check the VIN.

    Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

  • Oil burning (1.2 TCe / DIG-T petrol)

    Cars registered 2012–2018 · 1.2 TCe / DIG-T turbo petrol

    The 1.2 turbo petrol shared by Renault and Nissan (TCe or DIG-T) can burn oil, and some owners have needed a replacement engine. Running low on oil makes it worse.

    At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick, look for blue smoke from the exhaust, and ask how often it needs topping up. It should be checked every 1,000–2,000 miles.

    Source: Auto Express: used Renault Kadjar (2015 on) review, Car Mechanics: buying and owning the Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013-2021)

  • Several recalls

    Cars registered 2013–2019

    There were eight recalls, including brake hoses, fuel leaks and wheels coming loose.

    At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to confirm all recall work was done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Renault Clio Mk4 review

  • Electrical faults on hybrids

    Cars registered 2020–2025 · 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

  • Surging idle and stalling

    Cars registered 2005–2012 · Petrol

    A dirty throttle body makes the idle rise and fall, with stalling and slow starting. It's a cheap fix.

    At the viewing: Let it idle and watch the rev counter.

    Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

  • Squeal from the alternator

    Cars registered 2005–2012 · All engines

    A chirp on start-up is often a worn alternator pulley or a failing alternator.

    At the viewing: Listen when the engine starts.

    If it needs doing: Alternator, about £150–£400. ClickMechanic

    Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

  • Heavy steering and front knocks

    Cars registered 2005–2012 · All engines

    Worn front strut top bushes make the steering heavy and knock over bumps.

    At the viewing: Feel the steering and listen over bumps.

    Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

  • Ignition coils

    Cars registered 2013–2019 · Petrol

    Coils can fail and cause poor running or misfires.

    At the viewing: Listen for rough running and look for a flashing engine light.

    Source: Auto Express: used Renault Clio Mk4 review

  • ABS and tyre pressure warnings

    Cars registered 2013–2019

    ABS and tyre pressure sensors can fail.

    At the viewing: Check no warning lights stay on after starting.

    Source: Auto Express: used Renault Clio Mk4 review

Common Renault Clio MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

  • Ball joint

    up to 8.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    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 springs

    up to 3.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    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.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 3.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    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.

  • Anti-roll bar link bushes

    up to 6.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

  • Braking performance

    up to 4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.

    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.

  • Steering rack

    up to 6.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

    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.

Renault Clio MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2023 Renault Clio did best (93% passed first time, 1 point above all 2023 cars) and the 2016 did worst (60%, 17 points below all 2016 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202393%92% +1555
202288%89% -18,309
202186%87% -118,676
202084%87% -332,406
201977%85% -850,835
201874%83% -958,620
201768%80% -1257,490
201660%77% -1766,644
201557%74% -1772,358
201455%70% -1578,406
201355%67% -1260,231
201248%64% -1643,981
201146%62% -1652,540
201047%60% -1370,571
200947%59% -1249,852
200847%57% -1048,252
200747%57% -1059,761
200647%56% -945,356
200548%57% -927,751
200449%57% -822,820
200349%57% -815,292
200253%58% -510,112
200152%60% -85,912
200050%61% -113,145
199952%63% -111,556
199852%65% -13687
199754%65% -11380 (small sample)
199662%66% -4490 (small sample)
199568%67% +1561
199472%67% +5443 (small sample)
199364%68% -4179 (small sample)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Renault Clio

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

  1. Was the valve recall done?
  2. How often does it need oil between services, and has there been any engine work?
  3. Has it had any hybrid or electrical faults fixed?
  4. Has the throttle body been cleaned?
  5. Has the alternator been replaced?
  6. Has the front suspension had any work?

Looking at a Renault Clio?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score