1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Renault Clio MOT pass rate and common faults

219 MOT tests in 2024. 50.7% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

78Well below average
Passed first time50.7%
Failed or needed repairs49.3%
Typical mileage at test62,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 219 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.3%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.3%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively6.4%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.0%
  5. Position lamp: not working4.1%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.1%
  7. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.1%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.1%
  9. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.1%
  10. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.2%
    16 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics32.9%
  2. Brakes21.5%
  3. Body & chassis19.6%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)14.6%
  5. Suspension14.6%
  6. Emissions & leaks11.9%
  7. Tyres10.0%
  8. Steering8.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.5%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.7%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible13.7%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.2%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 1998 Renault Clio?

In 2024, 50.7% of 1998 Renault Clio cars passed their MOT first time, across 219 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Renault Clio?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 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).