2019 Renault Clio diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Renault Clio diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Renault Clio diesel than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Tyre condition1.7× usual
  Renault Clio

  21.4% All 2019 cars

  12.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 3.3% of all 2019 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. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Renault Clio

  14.7% All 2019 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Ball joint7.4× usual
  Renault Clio

  5.2% All 2019 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.2% of all 2019 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.

• Engine warning light5.9× usual
  Renault Clio

  4.7% All 2019 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 0.8% of all 2019 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.

• Wipers2.2× usual
  Renault Clio

  6.9% All 2019 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2019 Renault Clio diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Renault Clio diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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
  23% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  8% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2019 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.

• 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

• 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 2019 Renault Clio diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2019 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2019 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 2019 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?