Van · 1996–2021 cars
Renault Trafic reliability
The Renault Trafic fails 41.5% of first MOT tests, 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 347,478 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Renault Trafic before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 41.5%
- 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
- 347,478
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 13,200
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Renault Trafic has a first-time MOT fail rate of 41.5%, against 28.4% for all cars. It ranks 28 of 40 van models and has 30% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. Steering is its weakest area, with 358% more fails there than comparable cars. Its weakest year was 2017, with 52% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2002 was its best, with 57% fewer.
That doesn't rule it out. A well-kept example can still be a good buy. Focus on steering and suspension, and look for: track rod end ball joint excessively worn (8.24% of tests), position lamp not working (4.4% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (4.29% of tests), and anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn (3.54% of tests). Ask for the full MOT history and get a proper inspection before you buy.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Renault Trafic ages
Each point is the share of Renault Trafics of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Renault Trafic | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 22% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 26.6% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 30.5% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 34.7% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 38.1% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 42% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 45.6% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 50.8% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 51.4% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 52.7% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 51.9% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 51.8% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 52% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 52.5% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 51.4% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 52.2% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 52.7% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 51.4% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 15.1% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 41.7% | 40.6% |
| 25 | 47.2% | 35.8% |
By year
The best and worst Renault Trafic years
2002 cars come out best and 2017 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Trafic | 2,271 | 18.5% | 22% more fails | 42,363 |
| 2020 Trafic | 7,282 | 19.6% | 19% more fails | 50,662 |
| 2019 Trafic | 22,502 | 24.8% | 42% more fails | 57,018 |
| 2018 Trafic | 24,938 | 28.6% | 49% more fails | 65,654 |
| 2017 Trafic | 31,405 | 33.2% | 52% more fails | 76,067 |
| 2016 Trafic | 42,600 | 35.6% | 44% more fails | 85,925 |
| 2015 Trafic | 37,368 | 39.8% | 42% more fails | 96,069 |
| 2014 Trafic | 22,504 | 45.7% | 49% more fails | 105,487 |
| 2013 Trafic | 14,405 | 48.2% | 42% more fails | 118,596 |
| 2012 Trafic | 14,919 | 50.9% | 39% more fails | 128,034 |
| 2011 Trafic | 19,693 | 54.1% | 38% more fails | 132,860 |
| 2010 Trafic | 17,517 | 52.2% | 26% more fails | 140,164 |
| 2009 Trafic | 10,659 | 51% | 19% more fails | 142,581 |
| 2008 Trafic | 14,721 | 50.7% | 15% more fails | 145,220 |
| 2007 Trafic | 15,762 | 52.1% | 16% more fails | 148,895 |
| 2006 Trafic | 15,147 | 52.8% | 16% more fails | 151,594 |
| 2005 Trafic | 11,389 | 51.7% | 13% more fails | 152,806 |
| 2004 Trafic | 9,097 | 52.9% | 15% more fails | 152,513 |
| 2003 Trafic | 5,823 | 52.2% | 14% more fails | 151,239 |
| 2002 Trafic | 6,631 | 18.6% | 57% fewer fails | 115,757 |
| 2001 | 250 | 47.6% | 7% more fails | 152,832 |
| 1997 | 204 | 51% | 54% more fails | 71,051 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Renault Trafic
Its weak spot is steering: 358% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension19.4%81% above avg
- Lights and electrics18%32% above avg
- Brakes13.1%59% above avg
- Steering11%358% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7%37% above avg
- Tyres5.8%20% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure4.9%15% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.8%20% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags2.1%48% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 8.24% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Position lamp not working 4.4% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 3
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.29% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 4
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 3.54% of tests
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
- 5
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.48% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 6
Stop lamp not working 3.29% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 7
Registration plate lamp not working 3.16% of tests
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
- 8
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.06% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Renault Trafic's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit12.95%
- Brake disc pitted or scored10.98%
- Brake pads wearing thin8.55%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy7.74%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive7.27%
- Shock absorber light oil misting5.64%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Renault Trafic
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 4
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
- 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 Trafic covers about 13,200 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
- Diesel99.8%
- Petrol0.2%
- LPG0%
- Electric0%
- Other0%
Most common colours
White, Silver, Black, Grey, Blue
Average engine size: 1.8 litres.
Compare
How the Renault Trafic 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 |
| Volkswagen Caddy | 30.5% | about average for its age |
| Mercedes-Benz Vito | 33.7% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Transit Custom | 20.7% | 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Combo | 41.4% | 29% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Trafic | 41.5% | 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Partner | 38.1% | 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every van ranked in the van reliability index, or all Renault models.
Questions
Renault Trafic questions, answered
Is the Renault Trafic reliable?
On MOT results, the Renault Trafic is well below average: it fails 41.5% of first MOT tests, 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 28 of 40 van models in our index.
What fails most on a Renault Trafic MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Renault Trafic are track rod end ball joint excessively worn (8.24% of tests), position lamp not working (4.4% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (4.29% of tests). By area, suspension fails 19.4% of its tests.
Which Renault Trafic year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2002 cars do best (57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2017 cars do worst (52% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Renault Trafic do a year?
A typical Renault Trafic covers about 13,200 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 Trafic 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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