Van · 1998–2021 cars
Renault Kangoo reliability
The Renault Kangoo fails 46.4% of first MOT tests, 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 187,969 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Renault Kangoo before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 46.4%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 39% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 187,969
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 11,800
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Renault Kangoo has a first-time MOT fail rate of 46.4%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 39% more MOT fails, and it ranks 35 of 40 van models. Steering is its weakest area, with 283% more fails than comparable cars. Age makes a difference too. The 2002 model year does best, with 14% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2020 does worst at 105% more.
A below-average record doesn't mean you should walk away. Many of these faults can be spotted early, so a careful check pays off. Look for split or insecure CV joint boots, excessively worn track rod end ball joints, a broken coil spring and a stop lamp that doesn't work. Test the steering on a drive, and have an independent mechanic inspect it.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Renault Kangoo ages
Each point is the share of Renault Kangoos of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Renault Kangoo | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 29.1% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 34.1% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 37.1% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 40.2% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 43% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 45.2% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 47.9% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 50.3% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 51.1% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 51.5% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 51.6% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 49.1% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 47.4% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 48.3% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 49.4% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 50.3% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 51.7% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 49% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 48.2% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 49.1% | 40.6% |
| 23 | 50.4% | 38.9% |
By year
The best and worst Renault Kangoo years
2002 cars come out best and 2020 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 605 | 22.5% | 82% more fails | 25,442 |
| 2020 Kangoo | 3,228 | 27.3% | 105% more fails | 28,552 |
| 2019 Kangoo | 8,370 | 30.7% | 93% more fails | 45,513 |
| 2018 Kangoo | 8,325 | 35.8% | 98% more fails | 58,303 |
| 2017 Kangoo | 8,264 | 40.1% | 89% more fails | 74,434 |
| 2016 Kangoo | 11,714 | 41.4% | 72% more fails | 82,937 |
| 2015 Kangoo | 13,966 | 43.2% | 57% more fails | 97,227 |
| 2014 Kangoo | 11,388 | 47.3% | 57% more fails | 99,661 |
| 2013 Kangoo | 8,040 | 51.1% | 56% more fails | 107,808 |
| 2012 Kangoo | 11,323 | 48.7% | 43% more fails | 105,421 |
| 2011 Kangoo | 18,234 | 52% | 40% more fails | 112,632 |
| 2010 Kangoo | 16,996 | 52.7% | 35% more fails | 115,933 |
| 2009 Kangoo | 7,502 | 50% | 29% more fails | 95,352 |
| 2008 Kangoo | 10,525 | 45.6% | 18% more fails | 82,814 |
| 2007 Kangoo | 11,943 | 48.6% | 20% more fails | 94,759 |
| 2006 Kangoo | 9,679 | 48.2% | 15% more fails | 99,008 |
| 2005 Kangoo | 8,722 | 49.9% | 18% more fails | 99,245 |
| 2004 Kangoo | 7,621 | 51.3% | 20% more fails | 102,023 |
| 2003 Kangoo | 5,190 | 51% | 20% more fails | 99,657 |
| 2002 Kangoo | 3,633 | 47.2% | 14% more fails | 94,262 |
| 2001 Kangoo | 1,731 | 51.9% | 30% more fails | 86,559 |
| 2000 | 690 | 51.6% | 35% more fails | 83,574 |
| 1999 | 247 | 54.7% | 46% more fails | 86,045 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Renault Kangoo
Its weak spot is steering: 283% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22%52% above avg
- Suspension15.5%34% above avg
- Brakes14.2%68% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure10.3%120% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10.2%90% above avg
- Steering9.5%283% above avg
- Tyres8.3%22% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.5%17% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags2.8%100% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.55% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 2
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 5.73% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.47% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 4
Stop lamp not working 4.73% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 5
Registration plate lamp not working 4.68% of tests
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
- 6
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.14% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 7
Position lamp not working 4.01% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 8
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.68% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Renault Kangoo's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit18.02%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy13.49%
- Brake disc pitted or scored11.1%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.59%
- Brake pads wearing thin6.3%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive4.98%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Renault Kangoo
- 1
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.
- 2
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 4
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 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 Kangoo covers about 11,800 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
- Diesel76.7%
- Petrol18.9%
- Electric4.4%
- LPG0%
Most common colours
White, Grey, Blue, Red, Green
Average engine size: 1.5 litres.
Compare
How the Renault Kangoo compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Fiat Ducato | 25.8% | 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Boxer | 26.5% | about average for its age |
| Mercedes-Benz Vito | 33.7% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Fiat Doblo | 36.1% | 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Expert | 36.6% | 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën Dispatch | 41.6% | 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Kangoo | 46.4% | 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every van ranked in the van reliability index, or all Renault models.
Questions
Renault Kangoo questions, answered
Is the Renault Kangoo reliable?
On MOT results, the Renault Kangoo is well below average: it fails 46.4% of first MOT tests, 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 35 of 40 van models in our index.
What fails most on a Renault Kangoo MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Renault Kangoo are cv joint boot split or insecure (6.55% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (5.73% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.47% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 22% of its tests.
Which Renault Kangoo year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2002 cars do best (14% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2020 cars do worst (105% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Renault Kangoo do a year?
A typical Renault Kangoo covers about 11,800 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 Kangoo 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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