Small SUV · 2013–2021 cars
Renault Captur reliability
The Renault Captur fails 21.4% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 448,349 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Renault Captur before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 21.4%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 448,349
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,200
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Renault Captur is a below-average buy for its age and mileage. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 21.4%, lower than the 28.4% for all cars. But against cars of the same age and mileage, it has 15% more MOT fails, and it ranks 32 of 40 models in its category. Suspension is the weak spot, with 81% more fails than comparable cars.
Cars from 2020 did best, with 18% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. 2013 was weakest, with 35% more. A Captur can still be a good buy if you check the right things. Look closely at these common MOT failures: suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.59% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.04%), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2%), and CV joint boot split or insecure (1.36%).
MOT fail rate by age
How the Renault Captur ages
Each point is the share of Renault Capturs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Renault Captur | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11.3% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 14.2% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 16.5% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 19.9% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 24.4% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 28.8% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 33.7% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 37.9% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 40.9% | 34.6% |
By year
The best and worst Renault Captur years
2020 cars come out best and 2013 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Captur | 4,198 | 8.8% | 18% fewer fails | 21,478 |
| 2020 Captur | 22,927 | 9.2% | 18% fewer fails | 22,559 |
| 2019 Captur | 53,140 | 14.3% | 15% more fails | 26,647 |
| 2018 Captur | 69,357 | 16.1% | 16% more fails | 31,221 |
| 2017 Captur | 63,991 | 16.7% | 3% more fails | 37,006 |
| 2016 Captur | 79,908 | 20.7% | 8% more fails | 44,842 |
| 2015 Captur | 75,360 | 27.9% | 24% more fails | 53,816 |
| 2014 Captur | 60,375 | 31.2% | 19% more fails | 62,217 |
| 2013 Captur | 19,093 | 39.3% | 35% more fails | 69,160 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Renault Captur
Its weak spot is suspension: 81% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension7%81% above avg
- Tyres5.6%6% above avg
- Lights and electrics4.9%8% below avg
- Brakes4.7%32% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%18% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure1.9%72% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%38% below avg
- Steering0.3%56% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.2%47% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.59% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.04% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
CV joint boot split or insecure 1.36% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 5
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.33% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 6
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.23% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 7
Headlamp aim set too low 1.14% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 8
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.14% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Renault Captur's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit14.26%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.94%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.84%
- Brake disc pitted or scored5.71%
- Brake discs showing some wear2.84%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.79%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Renault Captur
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Renault Captur covers about 7,200 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol52.8%
- Diesel47.1%
- Other0.1%
- Hybrid0%
Most common colours
Blue, Grey, Cream, Black, Red
Average engine size: 1.2 litres.
Compare
How the Renault Captur compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| MINI Countryman | 15.5% | 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW X1 | 16.4% | 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | 13.4% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Captur | 21.4% | 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Mokka | 25.6% | 27% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford EcoSport | 20% | 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 2008 | 25.1% | 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Renault models.
Questions
Renault Captur questions, answered
Is the Renault Captur reliable?
On MOT results, the Renault Captur is below average: it fails 21.4% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 32 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Renault Captur MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Renault Captur are suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.59% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.04% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2% of tests). By area, suspension fails 7% of its tests.
Which Renault Captur year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2020 cars do best (18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2013 cars do worst (35% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Renault Captur do a year?
A typical Renault Captur covers about 7,200 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Renault Captur before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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