2014 Renault G: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Renault G?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Renault G than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints5.8× usual
  Renault G

  13.3% All 2014 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 1.3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Brake lights5× usual
  Renault G

  13% All 2014 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 2.1% of all 2014 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.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Renault G

  22.6% All 2014 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1% of all 2014 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.

• Track rod ends3.4× usual
  Renault G

  12.9% All 2014 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 2% of all 2014 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints7.2× usual
  Renault G

  10.1% All 2014 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.5% of all 2014 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.

Common 2014 Renault G MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Renault G MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Renault G

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2014 Renault G as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2014 Renault G as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2014 Renault G as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?