1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Renault Clio MOT pass rate and common faults

512 MOT tests in 2024. 49.8% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

79Well below average
Passed first time49.8%
Failed or needed repairs50.2%
Typical mileage at test69,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 512 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.8%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.3%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.7%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.7%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.3%
  8. Stop lamp: not working4.1%
  9. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  10. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics42.4%
  2. Suspension26.2%
  3. Brakes19.7%
  4. Body & chassis15.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks13.9%
  6. Steering10.0%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.8%
  8. Tyres6.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.9%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.9%

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: steering rack: gaiter missing or 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 1999 Renault Clio?

In 2024, 49.8% of 1999 Renault Clio cars passed their MOT first time, across 512 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Renault Clio?

The most common failure reasons were steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; coil spring: fractured or broken; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Renault Clio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 79, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).