Renault Clio Mk5 (2019-present) reliability
Renault Clio Mk5 built around 2020: fails its MOT more often than average
Renault Clio Mk5 models built around 2020 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at a Renault Clio Mk5?
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Key figure
18% of MOT tests on Renault Clio Mk5 models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Renault Clio Mk5 models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 51,402 tests of Clio models registered 2019+.
About 1 in 8 petrol Clio cars registered in 2022 (12.3%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 4,508 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 Clio Mk5 MOTs (2.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 14,843 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 Clio Mk5 MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 14,843 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk5 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 6 years old.
How the Clio Mk5 compares
At each age below, see how the Clio Mk5 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 63,746 tests across 11 Renault models, built around 2020 (5 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Clio Mk5.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.6%
Lower fail rate: 10.6%, against 17.8% for the Renault Clio Mk5, both built around 2020.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,440 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Toyota Corolla
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 2.9%
Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 17.8% for the Renault Clio Mk5, both built around 2020.
7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
20,631 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Mazda 2
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.8%
- Dangerous
- 3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.2%
Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 17.8% for the Renault Clio Mk5, both built around 2020.
5,812 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
Lower fail rate: 10.7%, against 17.8% for the Renault Clio Mk5, both built around 2020.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
44,857 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
24 recalls in all4 of the 24 Clio Mk5 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 4 recalls
Top concerns
- Contact between the positive alternator wiring and the alternator casing could cause an electrical short circuit
- Front lower arm bolts
- 'Power steering failure' message displayed on dashboard
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Clio Mk5 cars built around 2020
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,206 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2020 (5 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol Clio tests (not specific to Mk5).
How Clio Mk5 cars have aged
How Clio Mk5 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk5 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk5 cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 12% | 21% | 38% |
| Brakes | 17% | 21% | 26% |
| Emissions | 1% | 4% | 6% |
| Tyres | 21% | 24% | 23% |
| Lighting | 7% | 8% | 11% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | 2% | 5% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 1% | 1% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 955 to 1,206 cars at each age.
Mk5 variants compared
Clio Mk5 variants built around 2020
The fail rate for each Clio Mk5 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- CLIO20.6%5,040 tests
- CLIO ICONIC TCE14.9%3,990 tests
- CLIO RS LINE TCE16.9%970 tests
- CLIO RS LINE TCE AUTO15.2%724 tests
- CLIO ICONIC SCE13.9%598 tests
- CLIO PLAY TCE14.4%458 tests
- CLIO S EDITION TCE13.7%446 tests
- CLIO PLAY SCE12.5%335 tests
Diesel
- CLIO25.8%1,293 tests
- CLIO ICONIC BLUE DCI17.6%295 tests
Most common issues on Renault Clios of this age
This list covers every Renault Clio built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk5 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 218.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 38.6%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 46.9%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 56.5%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 14,843 tests
Looking at a Renault Clio Mk5?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Renault Clio Mk5 (2019-present) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 14,843 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.