2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Renault Clio MOT pass rate and common faults

4,781 MOT tests in 2024. 49.0% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time49.0%
Failed or needed repairs51.0%
Typical mileage at test82,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,781 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.1%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.0%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.9%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
  5. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault5.3%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.0%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.9%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.8%
  9. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  10. Washers: not working3.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics49.4%
  2. Suspension28.4%
  3. Brakes15.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.7%
  5. Steering12.2%
  6. Body & chassis10.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks9.1%
  8. Tyres8.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.9%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.1%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2003 Renault Clio?

In 2024, 49.0% of 2003 Renault Clio cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,781 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Renault Clio?

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

Is the 2003 Renault Clio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 86, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).