Renault R18 Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Renault R18 car check
Is the Renault R18 reliable? We analysed 745 real MOT tests across 134 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Renault R18? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Renault R18 is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded and windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Renault R18.
Renault R18 Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Renault R18. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Renault R18 MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Renault R18 to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Renault R18 Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Renault R18 fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Renault R18 Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Renault R18 owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Renault R18 MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Renault R18 year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 155 | 73.5% | 53,802 | 79,571 | 98,854 |
| 1984 | 232 | 72.8% | 51,699 | 97,011 | 131,734 |
| 1983 | 155 | 65.8% | 67,716 | 76,826 | 117,073 |
| 1982 | 61 | 77.0% | 55,201 | 76,205 | 88,126 |
How Long Does a Renault R18 Last?
Based on 134 Renault R18 vehicles on UK roads.
Renault R18 Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Renault R18 MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Renault R18
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
77.0% MOT pass rate from 61 tests
65.8% MOT pass rate from 155 tests
The best year to buy a used Renault R18 is 1982, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 77.0% across 61 tests. The 1983 model year has the lowest pass rate at 65.8% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Renault R18 Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault R18 THIS CAR | 73.0% | 745 | 81,820 mi | 44 yrs |
| Renault Clio | 67.1% | 14,729,048 | 62,807 mi | 33 yrs |
| Renault Megane | 67.3% | 7,306,346 | 70,453 mi | 30 yrs |
| Renault Laguna | 64.6% | 2,783,232 | 89,257 mi | 32 yrs |
| Citroen C4 Picasso Vtr+ Airdream E-hdi | 86.6% | 554 | 69,765 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Renault Clio (67.1% pass rate) and the Renault Megane (67.3% pass rate), the Renault R18 outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Renault R18 you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Renault R18Should you buy a used Renault R18?
The Renault R18 has an overall MOT pass rate of 73.0% across 745 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Renault R18 are suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (68 recorded failures), seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (31), and windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (28). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Renault R18 owner drives around 946 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Renault R18 models stay on UK roads for around 44 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.