Ranked by MOT fails against cars the same age and mileage, 3 to 15 years old

Renault models ranked by MOT fails

Q: Which Renault models have the fewest MOT fails?

10,886 MOT tests at 3 to 7 years put the Renault Koleos first: about as many MOT fails as cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.03); ranks 1 to 2 overlap, so it is level with the Renault Laguna. Next is the Renault Laguna: no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.09).

Q: Which Renault models fail their MOT most often?

73,261 MOT tests at 3 to 11 years put the Renault Zoe last of the 14 in this list: 62% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage.

DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 2,678,563 MOT tests · Updated 7 Oct 2026

Renault Koleos ranks first among Renault models (95% rank range 1–2, level with the Renault Laguna): about as many MOT fails as cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.03) (10,886 MOT tests) ^[1].

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14 models and generations ranked, 0 with at least 20% fewer MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (95% interval, at 3 or more ages), from 2,678,563 MOT tests ^[1]
Renault Laguna is next: no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.09) (24,731 MOT tests)
Renault Zoe is last of the 14: 62% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (73,261 MOT tests)

Which year and engine a car has, and how it was kept, decide where one car sits in these ranges. Check the reg first.

Fail rates are for the model across its MOT tests, never a forecast for one car.

No model in this list clears the award rule (at least 20% fewer MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage, with the 95% interval, at 3 or more ages).

This is DVSA MOT data, not road tests, owner surveys or breakdown records, and nobody paid to be included. Each model is compared with all cars tested at the same age, in the same mileage band and in its own mix of test years, so a low-mileage model does not look better for its low mileage. "Most reliable" in our titles is measured as MOT failure rate at the same age and mileage, not breakdowns.

Renault models: the ranking

Ranked by MOT fails against cars the same age and mileage, from 14 models and generations with at least 1,000 MOT tests at each of 3 or more ages between 3 to 15 years (pooled). The range under each rank is where the model could sit once sampling error is allowed for. Each adjusted rate reads against its own all-car rate, because models are tested at different ages.

Top 14 of 14. Adjusted rate = the model's rate at typical mileage for its own ages, against all cars at those ages; raw = its own ages and mileage.
#95% range	Model	Against cars the same age and mileage	Adjusted rateits own ages, typical mileage	Rawits own ages and mileage	MOT tests	Next step
11–2	Renault Koleos (first used from 2017)family SUV	about averageratio 1.03 (0.99–1.08)	15.0%all cars: 14.5%	15.6%	10,886at 3 to 7 years	Renault Koleos common problems
21–2	Renault Lagunaexecutive car	close to averageratio 1.09 (1.08–1.11)	43.1%all cars: 39.4%	45.7%	24,731at 11 to 15 years	Renault Laguna MOT fail rate · Renault Laguna common problems
33–4	Renault Captursmall SUV	close to averageratio 1.15 (1.15–1.16)	22.6%all cars: 19.6%	21.6%	593,977at 3 to 12 years	Renault Captur MOT fail rate · Renault Captur common problems
43–4	Renault Koleos (first used before 2017)family SUV	close to averageratio 1.16 (1.13–1.20)	47.3%all cars: 40.7%	50.7%	3,634at 13 to 15 years	–
55–7	Renault Kadjarfamily SUV	25% more fails (24–25% more)	21.6%all cars: 17.4%	22.0%	266,057at 3 to 10 years	Renault Kadjar MOT fail rate · Renault Kadjar common problems
65–7	Renault ScenicMPV	25% more fails (24–25% more)	41.3%all cars: 33.1%	41.7%	123,865at 5 to 15 years	Renault Scenic MOT fail rate · Renault Scenic common problems
75–8	Renault Windsports car	close to averageratio 1.25 (1.21–1.28)	46.6%all cars: 37.3%	40.6%	7,498at 11 to 14 years	Renault Wind common problems
87–11	Renault Grand ModusMPV	29% more fails (27–32% more)	51.1%all cars: 39.5%	47.8%	10,135at 12 to 15 years	Renault Grand Modus common problems
98–12	Renault ModusMPV	32% more fails (30–33% more)	52.0%all cars: 39.6%	46.9%	20,875at 11 to 15 years	Renault Modus MOT fail rate · Renault Modus common problems
108–12	Renault Grand ScenicMPV	32% more fails (31–33% more)	42.5%all cars: 32.3%	45.1%	84,410at 3 to 15 years	Renault Grand Scenic MOT fail rate · Renault Grand Scenic common problems
118–12	Renault Twingocity car	32% more fails (31–33% more)	40.2%all cars: 30.4%	35.9%	93,115at 4 to 15 years	Renault Twingo MOT fail rate · Renault Twingo common problems
129–12	Renault Meganefamily hatchback	33% more fails (32–33% more)	42.7%all cars: 32.1%	44.3%	354,840at 3 to 15 years	Renault Megane MOT fail rate · Renault Megane common problems
13certain	Renault Cliosupermini	51% more fails (50.6–51.3% more)	41.3%all cars: 27.3%	40.1%	1,011,279at 3 to 15 years	Renault Clio MOT fail rate · Renault Clio common problems
14certain	Renault Zoesupermini	62% more fails (60–64% more)	25.1%all cars: 15.5%	22.5%	73,261at 3 to 11 years	Renault Zoe MOT fail rate · Renault Zoe common problems

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The top 10 in this list, model by model

1 · About average

Renault Koleos (first used from 2017)

Why it ranks here: About as many MOT fails as cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.99–1.08), from 10,886 MOT tests at 3 to 7 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 15.0% (14.4%–15.7%), against 14.5% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 15.6%. Rank range 1–2.

Check before you buy: fails on brakes 1.6–1.9× as often as cars the same age (502 fails in 11,260 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a family SUV; the ones tested were mostly diesel; this row covers cars first used from 2017.

2 · About average

Renault Laguna

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.08–1.11), from 24,731 MOT tests at 11 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 43.1% (42.5%–43.6%), against 39.4% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 45.7%. Rank range 1–2.

Check before you buy: fails on body and structure 1.5–1.6× as often as cars the same age (1,957 fails in 25,152 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on suspension 1.46–1.52× as often as cars the same age (5,594 fails in 25,152 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on brakes 1.4–1.5× as often as cars the same age (3,406 fails in 25,152 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at an executive car; the ones tested were 76% diesel, 24% petrol.

3 · About average

Renault Captur

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.15, 95% CI 1.15–1.16), from 593,977 MOT tests at 3 to 12 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 22.6% (22.4%–22.7%), against 19.6% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 21.6%. Rank range 3–4.

Check before you buy: fails on suspension 1.67–1.70× as often as cars the same age (42,970 fails in 597,036 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on body and structure 1.58–1.64× as often as cars the same age (11,012 fails in 597,036 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on brakes 1.2–1.3× as often as cars the same age (28,000 fails in 597,036 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a small SUV; the ones tested were 55% petrol, 44% diesel.

4 · About average

Renault Koleos (first used before 2017)

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.13–1.20), from 3,634 MOT tests at 13 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 47.3% (45.8%–48.8%), against 40.7% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 50.7%. Rank range 3–4.

Check before you buy: fails on steering 4.4–5.1× as often as cars the same age (539 fails in 3,856 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on suspension 1.5–1.7× as often as cars the same age (948 fails in 3,856 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a family SUV; the ones tested were mostly diesel; this row covers cars first used before 2017.

5 · 25% more MOT fails

Renault Kadjar

Why it ranks here: 25% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.25, 95% CI 1.24–1.25), from 266,057 MOT tests at 3 to 10 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 21.6% (21.5%–21.8%), against 17.4% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 22.0%. Rank range 5–7.

Check before you buy: fails on lights and electrics 1.55–1.60× as often as cars the same age (19,066 fails in 267,506 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on suspension 1.37–1.42× as often as cars the same age (11,712 fails in 267,506 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on tyres 1.26–1.29× as often as cars the same age (19,230 fails in 267,506 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a family SUV; the ones tested were 51% diesel, 49% petrol.

6 · 25% more MOT fails

Renault Scenic

Why it ranks here: 25% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.25, 95% CI 1.24–1.25), from 123,865 MOT tests at 5 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 41.3% (41.0%–41.5%), against 33.1% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 41.7%. Rank range 5–7.

Check before you buy: fails on steering 3.2–3.3× as often as cars the same age (9,123 fails in 125,256 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on body and structure 1.5–1.6× as often as cars the same age (7,038 fails in 125,256 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on suspension 1.48–1.52× as often as cars the same age (21,476 fails in 125,256 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at an MPV; the ones tested were 59% diesel, 41% petrol.

7 · About average

Renault Wind

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.25, 95% CI 1.21–1.28), from 7,498 MOT tests at 11 to 14 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 46.6% (45.3%–47.8%), against 37.3% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 40.6%. Rank range 5–8.

Check before you buy: fails on steering 3.0–3.4× as often as cars the same age (667 fails in 7,764 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on brakes 1.4–1.6× as often as cars the same age (965 fails in 7,764 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a sports car; the ones tested were mostly petrol.

8 · 29% more MOT fails

Renault Grand Modus

Why it ranks here: 29% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.27–1.32), from 10,135 MOT tests at 12 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 51.1% (50.1%–52.2%), against 39.5% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 47.8%. Rank range 7–11.

Check before you buy: fails on seat belts and airbags 3.3–4.0× as often as cars the same age (512 fails in 11,598 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on steering 2.9–3.3× as often as cars the same age (1,034 fails in 11,598 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on suspension 1.5–1.6× as often as cars the same age (2,710 fails in 11,598 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at an MPV; the ones tested were 56% petrol, 44% diesel.

9 · 32% more MOT fails

Renault Modus

Why it ranks here: 32% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.30–1.33), from 20,875 MOT tests at 11 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 52.0% (51.3%–52.8%), against 39.6% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 46.9%. Rank range 8–12.

Check before you buy: fails on seat belts and airbags 2.8–3.2× as often as cars the same age (791 fails in 21,144 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on steering 2.5–2.7× as often as cars the same age (1,589 fails in 21,144 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on suspension 1.5–1.6× as often as cars the same age (4,814 fails in 21,144 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at an MPV; the ones tested were 75% petrol, 25% diesel.

10 · 32% more MOT fails

Renault Grand Scenic

Why it ranks here: 32% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.31–1.33), from 84,410 MOT tests at 3 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 42.5% (42.2%–42.8%), against 32.3% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 45.1%. Rank range 8–12.

Check before you buy: fails on steering 3.7–3.9× as often as cars the same age (6,981 fails in 84,913 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on lights and electrics 1.80–1.85× as often as cars the same age (19,987 fails in 86,089 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on suspension 1.67–1.71× as often as cars the same age (16,008 fails in 86,089 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at an MPV; the ones tested were 75% diesel, 25% petrol.

How to choose Renault models with this list

Compare like with like: against cars the same age and mileage, this list runs from about average (Renault Koleos) to 62% more (Renault Zoe).
0 of the 14 fail at least 20% less often than cars the same age and mileage and 9 at least 20% more often; the other 5 are within that band, or too uncertain to say.
Look at what a model fails on: 10 of the 10 models above have a part that fails more often than on cars the same age.
Then check the one car: its own MOT history and advisories say more about it than its model's average.

Found one on the list? Check that car

A ranking compares models at the same age and mileage; it cannot say how one car was kept. A registration shows that car's own DVSA record: its MOT tests, the mileage at each test and the recall flag.

Free car check by registration The MOT record, the mileage readings and the recall flag in one overview, with how the model does at its MOT.
Check any car's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
Mileage check by registration The odometer reading from each MOT, with drops, jumps and long gaps flagged.

How we rank

2,678,563 MOT tests from 2022–2025 of cars 3 to 15 years old. For each model and age, the tests are split into 6 mileage bands (<30k, 30-60k, 60-90k, 90-120k, 120-150k, 150k+); the expected fails are what all cars of that age would fail in the same bands, corrected to the model's own mix of test years. The ratio of the model's fails to the expected fails sets its place. The adjusted rate is that ratio times the all-car rate at the model's own ages, so it reads against that rate: a model tested only at 3 to 5 years is compared with young cars, not with this list's average.

The 95% intervals cover sampling error only (Wilson intervals). A model is called fewer or more only when its interval is at least 20% from the all-car rate, overall and at 3 or more ages ("close to average" when the interval excludes the all-car rate by less); awards use the same rule. Test years: Each model's expected fails therefore use its own mix of test years 2022–2025, age by age; the mileage bands themselves pool the four years, which can leave a small bias in favour of models first sold late in the window. Generations of a model are pooled unless the data splits them; each row says which years it covers. How we compare

Limitation: MOT tests record roadworthiness defects on the test day. They do not record breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs, and they cannot separate design from upkeep: a model whose owners service it before every MOT looks better here. Only cars still on the road are tested.

More lists

Questions people ask

Which Renault models have the fewest MOT fails?

10,886 MOT tests at 3 to 7 years put the Renault Koleos first: about as many MOT fails as cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.03); ranks 1 to 2 overlap, so it is level with the Renault Laguna. Next is the Renault Laguna: no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.09).

Which Renault models fail their MOT most often?

73,261 MOT tests at 3 to 11 years put the Renault Zoe last of the 14 in this list: 62% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage.

How many Renault models are compared?

14 models and generations with at least 1,000 MOT tests at each age counted, 2,678,563 MOT tests in all; 0 fail at least 20% less often than cars the same age and mileage and 9 at least 20% more often.

Sources

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 2,678,563 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.