Family hatchback · 1996–2021 cars
Renault Megane reliability
The Renault Megane fails 45.1% of first MOT tests, 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 386,931 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Renault Megane before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 45.1%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 30% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 386,931
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,900
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Renault Megane has a first-time MOT fail rate of 45.1%, compared with 28.4% for all cars. It has 30% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, and ranks 58 of 65 family hatchback models. Steering is its weakest area, with 230% more fails there than comparable cars. Its weakest year is 2014, with 58% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2002 is its best year at 6% more.
A Megane can still be a good buy if you check the right things. On a test drive, check the steering feels smooth and straight. Then look over the coil springs, stop lamps, track rod end ball joints and position lamps before you agree a price.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Renault Megane ages
Each point is the share of Renault Meganes of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Renault Megane | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 19.3% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 20.2% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 22.6% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 26.4% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 34.4% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 40.8% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 44.9% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 47.5% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 47.8% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 49.4% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 50.8% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 49.2% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 52.7% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 53.2% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 53.1% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 52% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 47.4% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 45.5% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 46.2% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 42.5% | 40.6% |
| 23 | 44.8% | 38.9% |
| 24 | 42.2% | 37.1% |
| 25 | 38.6% | 35.8% |
By year
The best and worst Renault Megane years
2002 cars come out best and 2014 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 471 | 17% | 37% more fails | 22,062 |
| 2020 Megane | 2,523 | 18% | 33% more fails | 30,781 |
| 2019 Megane | 7,318 | 20.1% | 44% more fails | 32,092 |
| 2018 Megane | 6,881 | 21% | 35% more fails | 38,393 |
| 2017 Megane | 16,392 | 23.7% | 27% more fails | 50,026 |
| 2016 Megane | 16,592 | 27.7% | 32% more fails | 55,860 |
| 2015 Megane | 22,388 | 37.2% | 47% more fails | 70,441 |
| 2014 Megane | 24,163 | 45.2% | 58% more fails | 78,574 |
| 2013 Megane | 24,830 | 45.2% | 44% more fails | 85,146 |
| 2012 Megane | 31,339 | 46% | 33% more fails | 91,813 |
| 2011 Megane | 46,293 | 49% | 32% more fails | 93,649 |
| 2010 Megane | 57,252 | 50.4% | 28% more fails | 97,737 |
| 2009 Megane | 34,551 | 49.5% | 21% more fails | 101,898 |
| 2008 Megane | 22,759 | 52.3% | 26% more fails | 95,476 |
| 2007 Megane | 25,592 | 52.5% | 24% more fails | 95,501 |
| 2006 Megane | 15,978 | 53.7% | 26% more fails | 95,895 |
| 2005 Megane | 9,990 | 52.4% | 23% more fails | 94,455 |
| 2004 Megane | 5,191 | 52% | 21% more fails | 95,568 |
| 2003 Megane | 3,499 | 47.4% | 12% more fails | 95,125 |
| 2002 Megane | 6,107 | 43.8% | 6% more fails | 92,139 |
| 2001 Megane | 4,036 | 44.3% | 10% more fails | 90,145 |
| 2000 Megane | 1,662 | 44.8% | 17% more fails | 81,328 |
| 1999 | 656 | 44.4% | 25% more fails | 73,557 |
| 1998 | 359 | 39.8% | 17% more fails | 67,000 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Renault Megane
Its weak spot is steering: 230% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22.8%52% above avg
- Suspension18.9%52% above avg
- Brakes12.8%50% above avg
- Steering8.5%230% above avg
- Tyres7.6%9% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure6.4%34% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.8%6% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.1%27% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags1.9%42% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 7.29% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Stop lamp not working 6.07% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 3
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 6.05% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Position lamp not working 4.68% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.18% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 6
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.08% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 7
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.52% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 8
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.01% 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 Megane's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit16.63%
- Brake disc pitted or scored16.29%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking8.41%
- Brake pads wearing thin7.48%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy6.39%
- Slight play in steering rack joints6.03%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Renault Megane
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 3
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.
- 4
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 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 Megane covers about 8,900 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
- Diesel53.5%
- Petrol46.5%
- Hybrid0%
- LPG0%
- Electric0%
Most common colours
Black, Blue, Grey, Silver, White
Average engine size: 1.6 litres.
Compare
How the Renault Megane compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 2 Series | 14.3% | 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mazda 3 | 31.9% | 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo V40 | 25.9% | 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia Ceed | 32.7% | 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 308 | 35.2% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai i30 | 34% | 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Megane | 45.1% | 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Renault models.
Questions
Renault Megane questions, answered
Is the Renault Megane reliable?
On MOT results, the Renault Megane is well below average: it fails 45.1% of first MOT tests, 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 58 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.
What fails most on a Renault Megane MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Renault Megane are coil spring fractured or broken (7.29% of tests), stop lamp not working (6.07% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (6.05% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 22.8% of its tests.
Which Renault Megane year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2002 cars do best (6% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2014 cars do worst (58% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Renault Megane do a year?
A typical Renault Megane covers about 8,900 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 Megane 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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