2010 Renault Koleos: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Renault Koleos?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Renault Koleos than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Track rod ends4.5× usual
  Renault Koleos

  22.2% All 2010 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.3%, against 2.5% of all 2010 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4× usual
  Renault Koleos

  17.4% All 2010 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 2.2% of all 2010 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Renault Koleos

  23.5% All 2010 cars

  10.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Sidelights2.1× usual
  Renault Koleos

  13.5% All 2010 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 5.6% of all 2010 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.

Common 2010 Renault Koleos MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Renault Koleos MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  62% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% 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
  18% 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
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Renault Koleos

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2010 Renault Koleos as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2010 Renault Koleos as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2010 Renault Koleos as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?