2009 Renault Megane: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Renault Megane?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Renault Megane than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Renault Megane

  27.2% All 2009 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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× usual
  Renault Megane

  14.6% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Brake lights2.5× usual
  Renault Megane

  12.7% All 2009 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 4.2% of all 2009 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Renault Megane

  13.9% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.6× usual
  Renault Megane

  10.6% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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.

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.

Common 2009 Renault Megane MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Renault Megane MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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.

• Brakes
  47% 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
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  10% 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
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2009 Renault Megane

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.

• Timing belt every five years

  All engines

  All engines need a new timing belt every five years or 60,000 miles, £500 or more at a dealer.

  At the viewing: Ask for an invoice if it's due.

  Source: What Car?: used Renault Megane (2008-2016) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Renault Megane

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

1. When was the timing belt last changed, and is there an invoice?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2009 Renault Megane as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2009 Renault Megane as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2009 Renault Megane as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?