1997 Renault Megane: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Renault Megane first registered in 1997: we looked at the 127 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 127 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1997 Renault Megane MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1997 Renault Megane MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes41% 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.
- Suspension35% 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 electrics28% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres24% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Oil and fluid leaks16% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Renault Megane
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Renault Megane?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Renault Megane compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 107 | Tyres 21% |
| 2022 | 1,316 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 1,549 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 3,197 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 7,486 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 5,846 | Tyres 33% |
| 2017 | 14,157 | Tyres 35% |
| 2016 | 14,443 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 19,249 | Suspension 42% |
| 2014 | 20,994 | Suspension 48% |
| 2013 | 21,314 | Suspension 47% |
| 2012 | 26,144 | Suspension 50% |
| 2011 | 37,917 | Suspension 51% |
| 2010 | 45,802 | Suspension 52% |
| 2009 | 25,570 | Suspension 53% |
| 2008 | 16,025 | Lights and electrics 52% |
| 2007 | 17,266 | Lights and electrics 53% |
| 2006 | 10,400 | Lights and electrics 55% |
| 2005 | 6,462 | Brakes 50% |
| 2004 | 3,295 | Brakes 49% |
| 2003 | 2,344 | Brakes 46% |
| 2002 | 4,388 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2001 | 2,839 | Lights and electrics 41% |
| 2000 | 1,156 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 1999 | 363 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1998 | 216 | Brakes 39% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Renault Megane cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score