Renault Zoe MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 15,867 MOT tests on the Renault Zoe carried out in 2023. 23% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Zoes passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2013 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2020 models did best (89% passed, +1.5 points against the average for 3-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (66%, −15.9 points). Tested cars had covered 29,238 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 9.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 7.7% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 15,867
- First-time pass rate
- 77%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +5.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 29,238
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Zoe?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Zoe 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 140 | 92% | 91% | +1.3 points | 19,504 |
| 2020 | 6,004 | 89% | 88% | +1.5 points | 19,652 |
| 2019 | 2,319 | 80% | 86% | −6.1 points | 23,820 |
| 2018 | 1,849 | 71% | 84% | −13.2 points | 32,113 |
| 2017 | 1,053 | 66% | 82% | −15.9 points | 40,313 |
| 2016 | 1,558 | 67% | 79% | −11.5 points | 36,338 |
| 2015 | 1,757 | 64% | 75% | −11.5 points | 41,169 |
| 2014 | 862 | 61% | 72% | −11.0 points | 47,074 |
| 2013 | 321 | 56% | 68% | −11.9 points | 51,701 |
Why the Renault Zoe fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Zoe | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9.8% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 8.5% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 6.1% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 2.5% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 2.4% | 6.8% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.2% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn7.7%
- 2has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords3.1%
- 3has ply or cords exposed2.4%
- 4not working2.2%
- 5fractured or broken1.5%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
- 7not working on dipped beam1.4%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
- 9incorrect colour0.9%
- 10not working on main beam0.8%
Common Zoe MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Zoe, 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 | 12.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 10.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.6% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.6% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 2.8% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.3% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.3% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 2.1% |
| badly distorted | Road Wheels | 1.8% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 1.7% |
Tips to help your Zoe pass
Based on where Zoes most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.1% of Zoe 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.
Visibility · 2.5% of Zoe tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Zoe ULEZ compliant? See the Renault Zoe ULEZ check, or view all Renault models.
Other Renault models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 15,867 first MOT tests of the Renault Zoe 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 15,867 first MOT tests of the Renault Zoe.
What is the Renault Zoe MOT failure rate?
In our data, 23% of 15,867 first MOT attempts on the Renault Zoe ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Renault Zoe fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (9.8% of tests), tyres (8.5% of tests), lights and electrics (6.1% of tests).
Which Zoe year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2020 cars performed best: 89% passed first time, +1.5 points against the average for 3-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 66% (−15.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Renault Zoe covered at its MOT?
The average was 29,238 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 19,504 miles and 2013 cars 51,701.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Renault Zoe?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.2% of tests, in the tyres area. 8.5% of Zoes failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Zoe's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 15,867 Zoes in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 56% 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 · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.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
Check any Zoe's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.