Used car guide

1990 Renault R5: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Renault R5 first registered in 1990: we looked at the 490 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 490 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

490MOTs of 1990 cars, done in 2023–2025
75%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 72%)
2,400typical miles a year
23%had suspension flagged

Common 1990 Renault R5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Renault R5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    23% 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
    21% 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
    20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Tyres
    9% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Renault R5

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Renault R5?

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 R5 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1994108Brakes 36%
1991143Brakes 20%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Renault R5 cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score