Renault Megane Mk4 (2016-2023) reliability
Renault Megane Mk4 built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average
Renault Megane Mk4 models built around 2018 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 Mk4?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
22% of MOT tests on Renault Megane Mk4 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Renault Megane Mk4 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 22,028 tests of Megane models registered 2016-2023.
About 1 in 4 diesel Megane cars registered in 2022 (24%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 50 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 25 Megane Mk4 MOTs (3.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 3,789 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 Mk4 MOTs (7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 3,789 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk4 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 9 years old.
How the Megane Mk4 compares
At each age below, see how the Megane Mk4 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 91,230 tests across 11 Renault models, built around 2018 (7 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 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.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
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 Megane Mk4.
- 1
Toyota Prius
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94.4%
Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 21.9% for the Renault Megane Mk4, both built around 2018.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Lexus CT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.1%
- Dangerous
- 4.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.2%
Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 21.9% for the Renault Megane Mk4, both built around 2018.
3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 21.9% for the Renault Megane Mk4, both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Mazda 2
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.5%
- Dangerous
- 4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.2%
Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 21.9% for the Renault Megane Mk4, both built around 2018.
8,722 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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
31 recalls in all9 of the 31 Megane Mk4 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 8 more
Top concerns
- Side air curtain may not deploy
- There is a potential for the internal aggression in the fuel hose causing a fuel leak
- Child lock may deactivate
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Megane Mk4 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 70 cars.
How Megane Mk4 cars have aged
How Megane Mk4 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 Mk4 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk4 cars age
The share of diesel 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 | 29% | 20% | 28% |
| Brakes | 14% | 9% | 20% |
| Emissions | 14% | 4% | 5% |
| Tyres | 27% | 24% | 37% |
| Lighting | 24% | 19% | 25% |
| Drivetrain | 2% | No figure | No figure |
| Corrosion | 0% | 1% | 0% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 51 to 283 cars at each age.
Mk4 variants compared
Megane Mk4 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each Megane Mk4 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- MEGANE23.5%2,189 tests
Petrol
- MEGANE19.6%1,407 tests
Most common issues on Renault Meganes of this age
This list covers every Renault Megane built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 123.4%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 213.9%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 313.6%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 411.8%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 511.2%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
Based on 3,789 tests
Looking at a Renault Megane Mk4?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Renault Megane Mk4 (2016-2023) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 3,789 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.