2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Renault Clio MOT pass rate and common faults

14,507 MOT tests in 2024. 47.6% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

74Well below average
Passed first time47.6%
Failed or needed repairs52.4%
Typical mileage at test75,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 14,507 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken14.3%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play9.5%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn7.6%
  4. Position lamp: not working7.3%
  5. Stop lamp: not working5.9%
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.8%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.4%
  8. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
    595 marked dangerous
  10. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics45.3%
  2. Suspension35.1%
  3. Brakes13.9%
  4. Steering11.0%
  5. Tyres8.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.7%
  7. Body & chassis5.1%
  8. Emissions & leaks3.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.5%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.0%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play5.2%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2012 Renault Clio?

In 2024, 47.6% of 2012 Renault Clio cars passed their MOT first time, across 14,507 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Renault Clio?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Renault Clio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 74, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).