Renault R4
From 289 MOT tests. Average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, a tyre seriously damaged and vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced. The top issue, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, caused 13 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 13 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 12 |
| vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced | 12 |
| an obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 9 |
| a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 7 |
| a headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of led | 6 |
| steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 6 |
| brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded | 6 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 5 |
| parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement | 4 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 31.2% of R4 failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 27.5% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. Breakdown cover may be worth considering for this model. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £159.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 71.4% | a tyre seriously damaged, an obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
Typical mileage
Half of all R4s tested had between 61,659 and 120,209 miles on the clock. A significant number are high-mileage vehicles.
At 86,696 median miles, the R4 has 0.03 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Renault models
| Renault Clio | 68.2% |
| Renault Captur | 80.4% |
| Renault Trafic | 69.1% |
| Renault Megane | 67.1% |
| Renault Kadjar | 81.8% |
Common questions
What is the Renault R4 MOT pass rate?
The Renault R4 has a 73.7% MOT pass rate based on 289 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Renault R4?
The most common MOT failure on the Renault R4 is the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, which caused 13 failures. Other common issues include a tyre seriously damaged.
What is the typical mileage of a Renault R4 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Renault R4 is 86,696 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 61,659 and 120,209 miles.
Buying a used R4?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 73.7% pass rate and an average repair bill of £159 when things go wrong, budget accordingly. 31.2% of failures on this model could actually strand you, so breakdown cover may be worth considering.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.