Renault Trafic known problems and what to check
What goes wrong on a used Renault Trafic, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides and what to check before you buy one.
Pick the year
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
2026202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005
What usually goes wrong with a Renault Trafic?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2014–2021 · All engines
Many recalls
Recalls covered rear axle bolts not tight enough (over 18,000 vans), cracked EGR pipes, parking brake cables, the secondary parking brake, front wishbone nuts, brake servo bolts, the front bench seat and rear seatbelts.
At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Haynes: Renault Trafic III common problems (2014 on)
- Cars registered 2014–2021 · Diesel with AdBlue
AdBlue warning and no-start countdown
A poor seal on the AdBlue tank brings on a warning that the engine won’t restart after a set distance.
At the viewing: Make sure no AdBlue warning shows.
Source: Haynes: Renault Trafic III common problems (2014 on)
- Cars registered 2014–2021 · Diesel
Turbo failure
Turbos fail when the engine is often switched off while still very hot.
At the viewing: Listen for whistling and watch for smoke or lost power.
Source: Haynes: Renault Trafic III common problems (2014 on)
- Cars registered 2014–2021 · Diesel
Particulate filter warning
A failed exhaust flap actuator brings on the engine light with a particulate filter pressure code.
At the viewing: Make sure the engine warning light goes out.
Source: Haynes: Renault Trafic III common problems (2014 on)
- Cars registered 2014–2021 · Diesel
Cold, damp no-start
Moisture in the air intake can stop it starting in cold, damp weather.
At the viewing: Ask whether it has had starting trouble in winter.
Source: Haynes: Renault Trafic III common problems (2014 on)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a Renault Trafic
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Renault dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Renault Trafic?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score