Renault Master years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
No Renault Master year has an MOT pass rate clearly below the average for vehicles first used in the same year. Above it: 2006–2007. The other year can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2006–2007
- Can't be told apart from average2008
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 59.1% to 62.3%.
In 2025, 60.7% of the 3,548 initial MOT tests on Renault Master cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 57.2%. That is 3.5 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific Master
Renault Master MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008age 17 | 1,077105,400 | 59.9%±3.0 | +2.7 ptsall: 57.2% | |
| 2007age 18 | 1,33585,300 | 61.6%±2.7 | +4.2 ptsall: 57.4% | |
| 2006age 19 | 1,13684,900 | 60.6%±2.9 | +3.6 ptsall: 57.0% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upCommon Master problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems.
Most common MOT failures on the Renault Master
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency below requirementsBrakes | 22.3%310 tests | 6.4% |
| Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirtSteering | 11.2%156 tests | 1.2% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 11.1%155 tests | 14.0% |
| Service brake performance excessively bindingBrakes | 10.9%152 tests | 3.9% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 10.6%147 tests | 6.0% |
| Parking brake performance inoperative on one sideBrakes | 10.0%139 tests | 2.6% |
| Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 8.0%111 tests | 5.6% |
| Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirtBody, chassis, structure | 7.7%107 tests | 7.5% |
| Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required valueBrakes | 6.8%95 tests | 1.7% |
| SRS malfunction indicator lamp warning lamp indicates a faultSeat belts and airbags | 6.3%88 tests | 2.5% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Master's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Master
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Check the dashboard warning lights come on when the car is switched on and then go out. Ask about any that stay lit.
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly and check the car stops in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. Check the car rises once and settles, not bouncing again and again.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- Check the car sits level when parked on flat ground.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers and check the blades clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Master's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Brakes
Of Renault Master cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 17.8% failed on brakes, against 10.5% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,215 and 5,204 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 17.9% of those with a brake advisory and 15.0% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataRenault Master questions
Which Renault Master years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2006–2007. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Renault Master reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 60.7% of initial MOT tests on Renault Master cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 57.2%. That is 3.5 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Renault Master problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 48.4% of failed tests), brakes (in 47.4% of failed tests) and suspension (in 23.6% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 17-year-old Renault Master?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Renault Master cars first used in 2008, about 17 years old, had a median of 105,400 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Master's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Renault Master
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Renault models
- Renault Clio−12.1 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Captur−2.1 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Trafic−13.1 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Megane−10.7 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Kadjar−6.0 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Kangoo−13.5 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 17 Renault modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Renault Master cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count