2021 Renault ZOE: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Renault ZOE first registered in 2021: we looked at the 12,123 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Renault ZOE?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Renault ZOE than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Braking performance4.9× usualRenault ZOE3.4% All 2021 cars0.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Brake pads: 1.4% here, against 6.1% of all 2021 cars.
Common 2021 Renault ZOE MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Renault ZOE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Brakes10% 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 electrics5% 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 mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension1% 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.
Known faults on the 2021 Renault ZOE
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.
- Some cars
Brake hose, pedal and rear seat recalls
Wheel arch liners could rub through the front brake hoses, some cars built July to Oct 2017 had the wrong accelerator pedal, and the rear bench might not lock.
At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- All versions
Charging, battery management and 12-volt battery faults
Owners report charging and battery management problems, and the 12-volt battery was the main complaint. If buying out a battery lease, check whether the battery was replaced.
At the viewing: Test charging, check the range and ask about battery lease status.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Renault ZOE
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the brake hose and rear seat recalls been done?
- Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2021 Renault ZOE as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Renault ZOE?
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 ZOE compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 5,780 | Tyres 26% |
| 2020 | 17,874 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 6,778 | Tyres 37% |
| 2018 | 5,398 | Tyres 37% |
| 2017 | 3,026 | Tyres 37% |
| 2016 | 4,530 | Tyres 37% |
| 2015 | 5,084 | Tyres 35% |
| 2014 | 2,423 | Tyres 37% |
| 2013 | 929 | Suspension 40% |
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 ZOE cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score