2009 Renault Modus diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Renault Modus diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Renault Modus diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Track rod ends3.4× usual
  Renault Modus

  16.9% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.1%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Renault Modus

  13.2% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions6.7× usual
  Renault Modus

  6.7% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Brake lights2× usual
  Renault Modus

  10.2% All 2009 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 4.2% of all 2009 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.

• Individual direction indicators2.5× usual
  Renault Modus

  7.2% All 2009 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.3% of all 2009 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 2009 Renault Modus diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Renault Modus diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  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.

• Brakes
  35% 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
  35% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  9% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Renault Modus 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2009 Renault Modus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2009 Renault Modus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 6.7× as often on the 2009 Renault Modus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?