Renault ZOE Mk1 (2013-2024) reliability
Renault ZOE Mk1 built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average
Renault ZOE Mk1 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 ZOE Mk1?
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Key figure
27% of MOT tests on Renault ZOE Mk1 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 ZOE Mk1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 30,647 tests of ZOE models registered 2013-2024.
About 1 in 9 electricity ZOE cars registered in 2022 (10.7%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 5,054 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 20 ZOE Mk1 MOTs (4.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,942 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 ZOE Mk1 MOTs (6.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 1,942 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1 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 10 years old.
How the ZOE Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the ZOE Mk1 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.
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.
Lighting
Worth checkingInspect the lighting carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
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 ZOE Mk1.
- 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 26.8% for the Renault ZOE Mk1, 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 26.8% for the Renault ZOE Mk1, both built around 2018.
3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
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 26.8% for the Renault ZOE Mk1, both built around 2018.
8,722 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
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 26.8% for the Renault ZOE Mk1, 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
- 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
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
6 recalls in all5 of the 6 ZOE Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 5 recalls
Top concerns
- On affected vehicles the rear seat bench may not be locked into position securely. This could result in injury to the o
- Risk of internal short curcuit to the battery
- Gearbox may fail to hold in park position when vehicle is stationary
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on ZOE Mk1 cars built around 2018
The share of electricity cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 142 cars.
How ZOE Mk1 cars have aged
How ZOE Mk1 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 Mk1 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
The share of electricity 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 | 32% | 44% | 68% |
| Brakes | 12% | 8% | 12% |
| Tyres | 27% | 37% | 45% |
| Lighting | 9% | 19% | 23% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | 1% | 1% |
| Steering | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 4% |
Based on electricity cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 92 to 170 cars at each age.
Mk1 variants compared
Most common issues on Renault ZOEs of this age
This list covers every Renault ZOE built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 121.4%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 220.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 313.6%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 411.0%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 59.1%Advisory
Indicator lens slightly discoloured
Based on 1,942 tests
Looking at a Renault ZOE Mk1?
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 ZOE Mk1 (2013-2024) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,942 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.