1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Renault Clio MOT pass rate and common faults

117 MOT tests in 2024. 51.3% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

78Well below average
Passed first time51.3%
Failed or needed repairs48.7%
Typical mileage at test58,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 117 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle12.0%
  2. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements6.0%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.1%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
  5. Headlamp aim: too low4.3%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.3%
  7. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated4.3%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.3%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  10. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes38.5%
  2. Lights & electrics25.6%
  3. Suspension18.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.7%
  5. Body & chassis13.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.0%
  7. Tyres5.1%
  8. Steering4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.1%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible9.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: service brake imbalance: across an axle. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Renault Clio?

In 2024, 51.3% of 1997 Renault Clio cars passed their MOT first time, across 117 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Renault Clio?

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1997 Renault Clio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 78, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).