1994 · 30 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1994 Renault Clio MOT pass rate and common faults

143 MOT tests in 2024. 71.3% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time71.3%
Failed or needed repairs28.7%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 143 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.9%
  2. Washers: not working2.8%
  3. Headlamp aim: too low2.1%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.1%
  5. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.1%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.1%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.1%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.1%
    9 marked dangerous
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics11.9%
  2. Brakes11.9%
  3. Emissions & leaks10.5%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  5. Body & chassis7.0%
  6. Suspension5.6%
  7. Tyres4.2%
  8. Steering2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.4%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.7%
  4. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.6%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Clio years1995 Clio →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Renault Clio?

In 2024, 71.3% of 1994 Renault Clio cars passed their MOT first time, across 143 tests. The average for all 30-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1994 Renault Clio?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; washers: not working; headlamp aim: too low. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1994 Renault Clio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).