2013 Renault Clio petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Renault Clio petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Renault Clio petrol than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rigid brake pipes4.2× usual
  Renault Clio

  17.3% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint3.4× usual
  Renault Clio

  15.6% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 2.6% of all 2013 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.

• Braking performance2.8× usual
  Renault Clio

  11.9% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.5× usual
  Renault Clio

  9.9% All 2013 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Wheels2.8× usual
  Renault Clio

  3.7% All 2013 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

Common 2013 Renault Clio petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Renault Clio petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  41% 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.

• Suspension
  32% 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
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  10% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• 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.

Known faults on the 2013 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.

• 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)

• Several recalls

  There were eight recalls, including brake hoses, fuel leaks and wheels coming loose.

  At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to confirm all recall work was done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Renault Clio Mk4 review

• Ignition coils

  Petrol

  Coils can fail and cause poor running or misfires.

  At the viewing: Listen for rough running and look for a flashing engine light.

  Source: Auto Express: used Renault Clio Mk4 review

• ABS and tyre pressure warnings

  ABS and tyre pressure sensors can fail.

  At the viewing: Check no warning lights stay on after starting.

  Source: Auto Express: used Renault Clio Mk4 review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Renault Clio petrol

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

1. How often does it need oil between services, and has there been any engine work?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2013 Renault Clio petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2013 Renault Clio petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2013 Renault Clio petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?