Renault Twingo years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
Renault Twingo years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2008–2012 and 2015–2016. None is clearly above it. The other year can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use year2008–2012 and 2015–2016
- Above the average for their first-use yearNone
- Can't be told apart from average2017
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 60.1% to 61.5%.
In 2025, 60.8% of the 20,370 initial MOT tests on Renault Twingo cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 66.1%. That is 5.3 points below the same-age average.
Check a specific Twingo
Renault Twingo MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017age 8 | 1,39733,700 | 76.6%±2.3 | −1.6 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 2,94442,300 | 68.9%±1.7 | −6.0 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 5,04850,600 | 66.6%±1.4 | −5.3 ptsall: 71.9% | |
| 2012age 13 | 1,23167,300 | 57.7%±2.8 | −5.8 ptsall: 63.5% | |
| 2011age 14 | 2,30773,500 | 51.0%±2.1 | −10.2 ptsall: 61.2% | |
| 2010age 15 | 3,71874,600 | 55.3%±1.7 | −4.0 ptsall: 59.3% | |
| 2009age 16 | 1,44877,800 | 54.8%±2.6 | −3.5 ptsall: 58.3% | |
| 2008age 17 | 2,27787,400 | 52.3%±2.1 | −4.9 ptsall: 57.2% |
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 upDoes mileage matter?
82.8% of Renault Twingo tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 47.9% at 90,000 to 119,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 85.3% and 57.3%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 2,729 | 82.8%±1.5 | −2.4 ptsall: 85.3% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 7,410 | 66.3%±1.1 | −8.9 ptsall: 75.2% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 6,285 | 53.6%±1.3 | −10.8 ptsall: 64.4% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 2,974 | 47.9%±1.8 | −9.4 ptsall: 57.3% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Twingo 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 Twingo 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: 120,000 or more. 50 tests (0.2%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Twingo problems at the MOT
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 Twingo
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 18.0%1,438 tests | 10.2% |
| Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 12.5%1,002 tests | 6.0% |
| Track rod end ball joint has excessive playSteering | 10.0%800 tests | 4.4% |
| Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limitsNoise, emissions, leaks | 9.0%718 tests | 2.0% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 8.7%691 tests | 10.5% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 8.1%643 tests | 7.8% |
| Horn not workingLights and electrics | 5.6%447 tests | 1.0% |
| Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gasesBody, chassis, structure | 5.5%438 tests | 2.8% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 5.3%421 tests | 5.0% |
| Washer not workingWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 4.8%387 tests | 2.6% |
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 Twingo's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Twingo
Suspension
- 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.
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.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Brakes
- 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.
Tyres
- 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 Twingo's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Renault Twingo cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 10.3% failed on tyres, against 5.0% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,644 and 8,267 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 11.8% of those with a tyre advisory and 11.1% of the others.
Brakes
Of Renault Twingo cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 10.6% failed on brakes, against 5.5% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,098 and 8,756 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 14.7% of those with a brake advisory and 10.3% of the others.
Suspension
Of Renault Twingo cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 23.2% failed on suspension, against 16.0% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,652 and 9,184 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 15.7% of those with a suspension advisory and 10.4% 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 Twingo questions
Which Renault Twingo 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: 2008–2012 and 2015–2016. None is clearly above average. 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 Twingo reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 60.8% of initial MOT tests on Renault Twingo cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 66.1%. That is 5.3 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 Twingo problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are suspension (in 45.9% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 33.5% of failed tests) and brakes (in 19.0% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Renault Twingo?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Renault Twingo cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 50,600 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Twingo'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 Twingo
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 12 Renault modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Renault Twingo cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count