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Renault Modus years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

8,852 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2005–2011 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

All 6 Renault Modus years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.

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.

49.6%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 48.6% to 50.7%.

In 2025, 49.6% of the 8,852 initial MOT tests on Renault Modus cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 58.2%. That is 8.5 points below the same-age average.

Check a specific Modus

Its own MOT history, free.

Renault Modus MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

YearChartTestsmedian milesPassed first timeAgainst all vehicles that year
2011age 141,23461,70049.6%±2.8−11.6 ptsall: 61.2%
2010age 151,35471,70053.2%±2.7−6.1 ptsall: 59.3%
2008age 171,47078,00049.1%±2.6−8.1 ptsall: 57.2%
2007age 181,43473,80048.5%±2.6−8.9 ptsall: 57.4%
2006age 191,50977,50050.0%±2.6−7.0 ptsall: 57.0%
2005age 201,85178,80048.1%±2.3−9.5 ptsall: 57.6%

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 up

Does mileage matter?

Renault Modus first-time pass rates by the mileage at the initial test, all years together, against all vehicles of the same age and mileage.

55.5% of Renault Modus tests at 30,000 to 59,999 miles passed first time, against 43.8% at 90,000 to 119,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 68.9% and 55.1%.

Miles at the testTestsPassed first timeAgainst all vehicles, same age and mileage
30,000–59,9992,38755.5%±2.1−13.4 ptsall: 68.9%
60,000–89,9993,26148.6%±1.8−11.1 ptsall: 59.7%
90,000–119,9991,96043.8%±2.3−11.3 ptsall: 55.1%

Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Modus tests were below average in every band shown.

Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Renault Modus tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.

Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: under 30,000 and 120,000 or more. 24 tests (0.3%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count

Common Modus problems at the MOT

Share of the 4,458 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

Most common MOT failures on the Renault Modus

The defects recorded most often at the 4,458 failed initial tests on Renault Modus cars, all years together, in the DVSA's own words. Each share is of failed tests, and a failed test can have more than one defect.

DefectShare of failed testsAll vehicles, same age
Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension21.3%948 tests8.4%
Position lamp not workingLights and electrics18.4%820 tests13.5%
Track rod end ball joint has excessive playSteering12.7%566 tests4.5%
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrectLights and electrics12.1%541 tests8.0%
Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension10.8%481 tests5.9%
Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics10.0%444 tests9.0%
Headlamp not working on dipped beamLights and electrics8.4%375 tests5.1%
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirtSuspension7.2%319 tests4.3%
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres6.1%273 tests6.6%
Parking brake efficiency below requirementsBrakes6.1%271 tests6.2%

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 Modus's failed tests in each year. How we count

What to check when viewing a Modus

Based on the areas where Renault Modus MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

  1. Lights and electrics

    In 57.4% of failed Modus tests

    • 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.
    • Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
  2. Suspension

    In 46.7% of failed Modus tests

    • Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
    • On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
    • The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
  3. Brakes

    In 24.1% of failed Modus tests

    • On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop 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.
  4. Tyres

    In 15.3% of failed Modus tests

    • Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
    • Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
    • Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a Modus's MOT history

Renault Modus questions

Which Renault Modus years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2005–2008 and 2010–2011. None is clearly above average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the Renault Modus reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 49.6% of initial MOT tests on Renault Modus cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 58.2%. That is 8.5 points below 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 Modus problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 57.4% of failed tests), suspension (in 46.7% of failed tests) and brakes (in 24.1% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 15-year-old Renault Modus?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Renault Modus cars first used in 2010, about 15 years old, had a median of 71,700 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Modus'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 free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Renault Modus

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 show

Other Renault models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 12 Renault modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Renault Modus cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count