What are the most common problems with a 2003 Renault Megane petrol?

The biggest MOT weak spot is brake discs: flagged on 23.9% of tests, 1.9× the rate for all 2003 cars, followed by steering rack inner joints (9.9%).

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2003 Renault Megane petrol?

Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Renault Megane petrol as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2003 Renault Megane petrol as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Renault Megane petrol as on other cars the same age.) Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

2003 Renault Megane petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the petrol Renault Megane first registered in 2003 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 2,047 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,047MOTs of 2003 petrol cars, done in 2023–2025

54%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)

4,400typical miles a year

1.9×the usual rate for brake discs

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Renault Megane petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Renault Megane petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

Brake discs1.9× usual

Renault Megane
23.9% All 2003 cars
12.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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.
Steering rack inner joints2.9× usual

Renault Megane
9.9% All 2003 cars
3.4%

Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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) joints1.8× usual

Renault Megane
11.7% All 2003 cars
6.6%

Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.
Washers1.8× usual

Renault Megane
7% All 2003 cars
3.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 3.8% of all 2003 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.

Better than most

Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.6% here, against 8.6% of all 2003 cars. Sub-frame: 1.3% here, against 4.7% of all 2003 cars.

Common 2003 Renault Megane petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Renault Megane petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Brakes

44% 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

43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

37% 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.
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.
Steering

15% of testsRough price £100–£450

At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Wipers, windscreen and mirrors

15% 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 2003 Renault Megane petrol

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

Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Renault Megane petrol as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2003 Renault Megane petrol as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Renault Megane petrol as on other cars the same age.)
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%
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%
1997	127	Brakes 41%
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 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score