2012 Renault Clio petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Renault Clio petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Renault Clio petrol than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Coil springs2.3× usual
  Renault Clio

  19.9% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15.6%, against 3.8% of all 2012 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.

• Track rod ends3.1× usual
  Renault Clio

  13.2% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 2.2% of all 2012 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 joint2.4× usual
  Renault Clio

  12.6% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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.

• Brake lights2.5× usual
  Renault Clio

  9.1% All 2012 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Renault Clio

  12.1% All 2012 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Renault Clio petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Renault Clio petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% 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
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  29% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  8% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2012 Renault Clio petrol

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.

• Valve recall (early 1.2)

  1.2 petrol

  Early 1.2 petrols were recalled for valve parts that could destroy the engine.

  At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to check the VIN.

  Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

• Oil burning (1.2 TCe / DIG-T petrol)

  1.2 TCe / DIG-T turbo petrol

  The 1.2 turbo petrol shared by Renault and Nissan (TCe or DIG-T) can burn oil, and some owners have needed a replacement engine. Running low on oil makes it worse.

  At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick, look for blue smoke from the exhaust, and ask how often it needs topping up. It should be checked every 1,000–2,000 miles.

  Source: Auto Express: used Renault Kadjar (2015 on) review, Car Mechanics: buying and owning the Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013-2021)

• Surging idle and stalling

  Petrol

  A dirty throttle body makes the idle rise and fall, with stalling and slow starting. It's a cheap fix.

  At the viewing: Let it idle and watch the rev counter.

  Source: Haynes: Renault Clio Mk3 common problems

• 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 2012 Renault Clio petrol

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

1. Was the valve recall done?
2. How often does it need oil between services, and has there been any engine work?
3. Has the throttle body been cleaned?
4. Has the alternator been replaced?
5. Has the front suspension had any work?
6. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Renault Clio petrol as on other cars the same age.)