Motoring Today

Renault Clio MOT reliability

Reliability from 11 Renault Clio cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Renault Clio at MOT?

Across 2 Renault Clio cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 72%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 8 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are suspension, brakes and visibility (windscreen & wipers), from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
72%
Valid MOT
2 / 2
Median MOT left
8 mo
Top failure
Suspension

The Renault Clio has a national DVSA MOT pass rate of 62.62% based on 326,522 real UK tests. The most common category for failure is Lighting & electrical, accounting for 34% of all infractions. This suggests that bulbs, wiring, and associated systems are frequent issues. Other significant failure areas include Suspension (18%) and Brakes (17%). For a used car buyer, these statistics highlight critical areas to inspect. "Lighting & electrical" concerns can range from simple bulb replacements to more complex wiring faults, which a pre-purchase inspection can help identify. "Suspension" issues could mean worn shock absorbers, bushes, or springs, affecting ride comfort and handling, so listen for unfamiliar noises and check for uneven tyre wear. "Brakes" are crucial for safety, so ensure they feel responsive and don't pull to one side. It's important to remember that an MOT pass rate reflects cars presented for testing, not their overall lifetime reliability, and failures often cluster with a vehicle's age and how well it has been maintained, rather than being inherent to the badge itself. Motoring.Today currently lists 3 Renault Clio models, with prices starting from £6,795, or a representative monthly payment of £155. These figures are subject to status.

72First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
2 / 2
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
8 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
0
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Renault Clio

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 11 Renault Clio cars with DVSA test history in our stock (39 recorded failure items, 7 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Suspension1436%
Brakes923%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)513%
Drivetrain410%
Tyres38%
Lighting & electrical25%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Renault Clio cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common MOT failures on the Renault Clio?
Across 11 Renault Clio cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are suspension, brakes and visibility (windscreen & wipers) (suspension account for 36% of recorded failures).

More Renault Clio resources