2018 Renault Megane diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Renault Megane diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Renault Megane diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Anti-roll bar link joints10.7× usual
  Renault Megane

  4.3% All 2018 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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.

• Headlights4.6× usual
  Renault Megane

  4.6% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.9% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Number plate lights3.1× usual
  Renault Megane

  4.3% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Renault Megane

  5% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

• Ball joint3.3× usual
  Renault Megane

  3.3% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

Common 2018 Renault Megane diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Renault Megane diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Suspension
  16% 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 electrics
  15% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Renault Megane 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 anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 10.7× as often on the 2018 Renault Megane diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2018 Renault Megane diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2018 Renault Megane diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?