1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Renault Clio MOT pass rate and common faults

156 MOT tests in 2024. 65.4% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time65.4%
Failed or needed repairs34.6%
Typical mileage at test60,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 156 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle6.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.1%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.5%
  4. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.8%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.2%
  7. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.2%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks19.2%
  2. Brakes18.6%
  3. Suspension14.1%
  4. Lights & electrics13.5%
  5. Body & chassis11.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.7%
  7. Steering5.1%
  8. Tyres4.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.2%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.7%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases7.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: service brake imbalance: across an axle. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Renault Clio?

In 2024, 65.4% of 1996 Renault Clio cars passed their MOT first time, across 156 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Renault Clio?

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1996 Renault Clio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).