2002 Renault Kangoo: known problems and what to check
Too few Renault Kangoo cars first registered in 2002 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2002 Renault Kangoo, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2002 Renault Kangoo
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.
- Diesel
Timing belt slipping (diesel)
The diesel's timing belt can slip and damage the engine.
At the viewing: Ask for the service history and invoices for the timing belt.
Source: What Car?: used Renault Kangoo (1999-2009) reliability
- All engines
Clutch wear and electrical niggles
Clutches are a weak point, and there are many electrical niggles.
At the viewing: Check the clutch bites smoothly and test every electrical item.
Source: What Car?: used Renault Kangoo (1999-2009) reliability
- Early cars
Brake servo, airbag sensor and door lock recalls
Recalls covered loss of brake servo assistance (2000), tyres losing pressure (2000), seatbelt pre-tensioner and airbag sensors (about 14,000 cars, 2001) and door locking bolts (2002).
At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to confirm the recalls were done.
Source: What Car?: used Renault Kangoo (1999-2009) reliability
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Renault Kangoo
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- When was the timing belt last changed?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2002 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.
Looking at a Renault Kangoo?
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 Kangoo compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | – | Too few tests |
| 2011 | – | Too few tests |
| 2010 | – | Too few tests |
| 2009 | – | Too few tests |
| 2008 | – | Too few tests |
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
| 2006 | – | Too few tests |
| 2005 | – | Too few tests |
| 2004 | – | Too few tests |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score