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Renault Megane Mk3 (2008-2015) reliability

At a glance

Renault Megane Mk3 built around 2015: fails its MOT more often than average

Renault Megane Mk3 models built around 2015 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 Megane Mk3?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Renault Megane Mk3 models built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Renault Megane Mk3 models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

Renault Megane Mk3
poor reliability2008-2015HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 92,096 tests of Megane models registered 2008-2015.

About 1 in 12 Megane Mk3 MOTs (7.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 9,747 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 Megane Mk3 MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 9,747 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
3,37030.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
9,74731.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
9,80233.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
11,17833.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
13,21733.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
17,94534.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
16,49235.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,84934.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
3,49635.2%

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 15 years old.

How the Megane Mk3 compares

At each age below, see how the Megane Mk3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 108,011 tests across 10 Renault models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateRenault average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
3,37030.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
9,74731.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
9,80233.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
11,17833.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
13,21733.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
17,94534.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
16,49235.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,84934.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
3,49635.2%

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.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask 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 checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check 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 Megane Mk3.

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.1%, against 31.3% for the Renault Megane Mk3, both built around 2015.

    4,270 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Volkswagen Golf

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.9%

    Lower fail rate: 16.1%, against 31.3% for the Renault Megane Mk3, both built around 2015.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    81,120 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 16.2%, against 31.3% for the Renault Megane Mk3, both built around 2015.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    50,061 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    BMW i3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.3%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.5%

    Lower fail rate: 14.8%, against 31.3% for the Renault Megane Mk3, both built around 2015.

    1,887 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

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.

How many are still registered

87%of all Renault Megane cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

31 recalls in all

5 of the 31 Megane Mk3 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Airbag may not deploy
  • Rear shelf may detach
  • Rear spoiler may become detached

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Megane Mk3 cars have aged

How Megane Mk3 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.

0%10%20%30%6810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (6,132 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (6,037 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (6,010 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (5,707 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (5,491 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (6,646 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (6,516 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (6,257 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (5,976 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (5,612 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (6,964 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (6,796 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (6,563 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (6,044 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (5,553 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (8,462 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (7,984 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (7,480 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (6,934 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (6,111 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (14,104 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (13,340 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (12,141 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (10,777 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (9,394 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (17,748 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (16,344 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 34.9% (14,780 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (12,751 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (10,860 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (9,214 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (8,144 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (7,161 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (5,880 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (4,634 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (9,684 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (7,731 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (6,235 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (4,729 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (3,496 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012
Mk3 variants compared

Megane Mk3 variants built around 2015

The fail rate for each Megane Mk3 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • MEGANE31.8%8,657 tests

Petrol

  • MEGANE27.4%1,076 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Renault Meganes of this age

This list covers every Renault Megane built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    22.0%
    Advisory: 2,908Fail: 246 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    21.0%
    Advisory: 2,074Fail: 826 (28% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    19.0%
    Advisory: 1,934Fail: 492 (20% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    17.9%
    Advisory: 2,431Fail: 83 (3% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.0%
    Advisory: 1,313Fail: 193 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 9,747 tests

Looking at a Renault Megane Mk3?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Renault Megane Mk3 (2008-2015) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 9,747 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 92,096 MOT tests on Renault Meganes first registered between 2008-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.