Renault Trafic MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 109,172 MOT tests on the Renault Trafic carried out in 2023. 42% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Trafics passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1985 to 2022. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2022 models did best (92% passed, −0.8 points against the average for 1-year-old cars), while 1988 models fared worst (39%, −31.9 points). Tested cars had covered 109,791 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 19.4% of tests (well above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 109,172
- First-time pass rate
- 58%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −13.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 109,791
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Trafic?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Trafic MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 89 | 92% | 93% | −0.8 points | 24,323 |
| 2021 | 273 | 82% | 91% | −8.4 points | 42,861 |
| 2020 | 4,456 | 80% | 88% | −8.0 points | 45,589 |
| 2019 | 8,374 | 76% | 86% | −10.4 points | 57,538 |
| 2018 | 7,404 | 71% | 84% | −13.1 points | 70,804 |
| 2017 | 9,257 | 66% | 82% | −15.9 points | 81,676 |
| 2016 | 12,524 | 64% | 79% | −15.1 points | 91,628 |
| 2015 | 10,953 | 59% | 75% | −16.0 points | 101,319 |
| 2014 | 7,012 | 52% | 72% | −19.3 points | 112,613 |
| 2013 | 4,443 | 51% | 68% | −17.2 points | 125,871 |
| 2012 | 4,690 | 49% | 66% | −16.6 points | 134,771 |
| 2011 | 6,580 | 45% | 63% | −18.0 points | 137,303 |
| 2010 | 5,563 | 48% | 60% | −12.8 points | 145,274 |
| 2009 | 3,262 | 49% | 59% | −10.3 points | 147,770 |
| 2008 | 4,505 | 49% | 57% | −8.0 points | 148,969 |
| 2007 | 4,815 | 48% | 57% | −9.5 points | 153,389 |
| 2006 | 4,523 | 47% | 56% | −9.5 points | 153,753 |
| 2005 | 3,374 | 49% | 56% | −7.3 points | 155,084 |
| 2004 | 2,656 | 47% | 56% | −8.7 points | 153,871 |
| 2003 | 1,685 | 48% | 57% | −8.9 points | 153,999 |
| 2002 | 731 | 50% | 58% | −8.0 points | 154,644 |
| 2001 | 70 | 49% | 59% | −10.1 points | 149,922 |
| 1998 | 52 | 50% | 64% | −13.9 points | 72,805 |
| 1997 | 131 | 47% | 64% | −17.9 points | 74,814 |
| 1996 | 186 | 53% | 65% | −12.0 points | 77,846 |
| 1995 | 196 | 53% | 66% | −13.4 points | 83,025 |
| 1994 | 164 | 51% | 66% | −15.2 points | 84,466 |
| 1993 | 203 | 52% | 67% | −14.6 points | 79,503 |
| 1992 | 175 | 51% | 68% | −17.1 points | 83,011 |
| 1991 | 139 | 42% | 70% | −28.2 points | 87,539 |
| 1990 | 158 | 44% | 71% | −27.3 points | 88,379 |
| 1989 | 163 | 54% | 72% | −17.7 points | 87,547 |
| 1988 | 100 | 39% | 71% | −31.9 points | 91,108 |
| 1987 | 66 | 55% | 72% | −17.2 points | 82,047 |
| 1985 | 60 | 57% | 72% | −15.5 points | 83,772 |
Why the Renault Trafic fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Trafic | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 19.4% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 18.3% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 13.4% | 6.8% |
| Steering | 10.5% | 1.8% |
| Visibility | 7.0% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 5.9% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 5.3% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.9% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.1% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.1%
- 2ball joint excessively worn9.0%
- 3ball joint has excessive play8.9%
- 4fractured or broken4.3%
- 5efficiency below requirements3.8%
- 6inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.6%
- 7inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.6%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick3.3%
- 9has a serious fluid leak2.7%
- 10constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
Common Trafic MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Trafic, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 12.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.0% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 9.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 8.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.3% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 6.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.8% |
| ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 5.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.0% |
Tips to help your Trafic pass
Based on where Trafics most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 18.3% of Trafic tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 13.4% of Trafic tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Steering · 10.5% of Trafic tests
Feel for play in the steering
Clunks or play in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear or a split steering rack gaiter are all reasons to book an inspection before the test.
Compare with other models
Is the Trafic ULEZ compliant? See the Renault Trafic ULEZ check, or view all Renault models.
Other Renault models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 109,172 first MOT tests of the Renault Trafic carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 109,172 first MOT tests of the Renault Trafic.
What is the Renault Trafic MOT failure rate?
In our data, 42% of 109,172 first MOT attempts on the Renault Trafic ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Renault Trafic fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (19.4% of tests), lights and electrics (18.3% of tests), brakes (13.4% of tests).
Which Trafic year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2022 cars performed best: 92% passed first time, −0.8 points against the average for 1-year-old cars. The weakest was 1988, at 39% (−31.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Renault Trafic covered at its MOT?
The average was 109,791 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2022 cars averaged 24,323 miles and 1985 cars 83,772.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Renault Trafic?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.6% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.9% of Trafics failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Trafic's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 109,172 Trafics in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 39% to 92% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
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