Renault Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Renault? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Renault reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 72.1% (+8.1 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 16 Renault models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 2.05% and the average retest rate is 15.4%. Renault ranks below the UK average on first-time MOT pass rate. That doesn't make every example unreliable — a well-kept Renault can outperform a neglected premium car — but it raises the importance of checking the specific car's MOT history before purchase.

Renault first-time MOT pass rate

72.1%

Implied failure rate: 27.9% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+8.1 pp

Dangerous defects

2.05%

Retest rate

15.4%

How Renault compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Renault’s pass rate of 72.1% is 8.1 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Renault models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Renault pass rate72.1%

UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Renault models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

Renault Megane E-Tech

2022–present · sample ≈4k

89.5%

Renault Zoe

2013–present · sample ≈18k

88.8%

Renault Austral

2022–present · sample ≈4k

85.2%

Most problematic Renault models

The Renault models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

Renault Master

2003–present · sample ≈18k

71.5%

Renault Kangoo

2001–present · sample ≈15k

72.2%

Renault Scenic

1999–2022 · sample ≈32k

72.5%

Run a free MOT check on a specific Renault

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Renault

Aggregated across 16 Renault models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

17%

Suspension

15.2%

Brakes

13.1%

Tyres

11%

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

8.9%

Renault reliability — FAQ

Is Renault a reliable car brand in the UK?

Renault's first-time MOT pass rate of 72.1% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the average band of brands for MOT reliability. We track 16 Renault models in our dataset.

What is the most reliable Renault model for MOT?

Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Renault models in our dataset are: Renault Megane E-Tech (89.5%), Renault Zoe (88.8%), Renault Austral (85.2%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.

Which Renault models fail their MOT most often?

In our dataset, the Renault models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Renault Master (71.5%), Renault Kangoo (72.2%), Renault Scenic (72.5%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Renault?

Aggregated across Renault models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (17%), suspension (15.2%), brakes (13.1%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Renault’s MOT history

Free, instant, no signup. Every test result, advisory, and mileage reading since 2005.

Free MOT check

Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 16 Renault models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.