2011 Renault Modus petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Renault Modus petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Renault Modus petrol than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  Renault Modus

  19.1% All 2011 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 16.1%, against 4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Sidelights2.1× usual
  Renault Modus

  11.4% All 2011 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.9%, against 4.8% of all 2011 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.

• Brake lights2.3× usual
  Renault Modus

  9.2% All 2011 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 3.3% of all 2011 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 indicators2.4× usual
  Renault Modus

  7.3% All 2011 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.2% of all 2011 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.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Renault Modus

  9% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.4% of all 2011 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.

Common 2011 Renault Modus petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Renault Modus petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  34% 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
  34% 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
  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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% 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 2011 Renault Modus petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2011 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2011 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2011 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?