2012 Renault Modus: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Renault Modus?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Renault Modus than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Coil springs2.4× usual
  Renault Modus

  20.6% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 17.8%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Brake lights2.8× usual
  Renault Modus

  10.2% All 2012 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Renault Modus

  10.7% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.2% of all 2012 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.

• Individual direction indicators2.7× usual
  Renault Modus

  7.9% All 2012 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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.

• Sidelights2.1× usual
  Renault Modus

  9.9% All 2012 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 4.1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Renault Modus MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Renault Modus MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  34% 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
  32% 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
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Renault Modus

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

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2012 Renault Modus as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2012 Renault Modus as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2012 Renault Modus as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?