Renault Kangoo known problems and what to check
What goes wrong on a used Renault Kangoo, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides and what to check before you buy one.
The 2011 Renault Kangoo
Too few Renault Kangoo cars first registered in 2011 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Renault Kangoo as a whole.
What to check on a 2011 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
What usually goes wrong with a Renault Kangoo?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2000–2008 · Diesel
Timing belt slipping (diesel)
The diesel's timing belt can slip and damage the engine.
At the viewing: Ask for the service history and invoices for the timing belt.
Source: What Car?: used Renault Kangoo (1999-2009) reliability
- Cars registered in 2012 · 1.2 TCe / DIG-T turbo petrol
Oil burning (1.2 TCe / DIG-T 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)
- Cars registered 2000–2008 · All engines
Clutch wear and electrical niggles
Clutches are a weak point, and there are many electrical niggles.
At the viewing: Check the clutch bites smoothly and test every electrical item.
Source: What Car?: used Renault Kangoo (1999-2009) reliability
- Cars registered 2000–2002 · Early cars
Brake servo, airbag sensor and door lock recalls
Recalls covered loss of brake servo assistance (2000), tyres losing pressure (2000), seatbelt pre-tensioner and airbag sensors (about 14,000 cars, 2001) and door locking bolts (2002).
At the viewing: Ask a Renault dealer to confirm the recalls were done.
Source: What Car?: used Renault Kangoo (1999-2009) reliability
Questions to ask the seller before buying a Renault Kangoo
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- When was the timing belt last changed?
- How often does it need oil between services, and has there been any engine work?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Renault Kangoo?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score