2009 Renault Clio diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Renault Clio diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Renault Clio diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Track rod ends4.2× usual
  Renault Clio

  20.6% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.7%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Renault Clio

  17.3% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 3.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Renault Clio

  15.3% All 2009 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Coil springs1.6× usual
  Renault Clio

  17.9% All 2009 cars

  11.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.5%, against 4.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Diesel smoke emissions5.8× usual
  Renault Clio

  5.8% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2009 Renault Clio diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Renault Clio diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  45% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  38% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Known faults on the 2009 Renault Clio diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Squeal from the alternator

  All engines

  A chirp on start-up is often a worn alternator pulley or a failing alternator.

  At the viewing: Listen when the engine starts.

  If it needs doing: Alternator, about £150–£400. ClickMechanic

  Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

• Heavy steering and front knocks

  All engines

  Worn front strut top bushes make the steering heavy and knock over bumps.

  At the viewing: Feel the steering and listen over bumps.

  Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Renault Clio diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the alternator been replaced?
2. Has the front suspension had any work?
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2009 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2009 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?