What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Renault G.
The Renault G occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Renault G range, with 4 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Renault G? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
G1 (2011–2015) — Engine options included the 1.5 dCi, 1.6 dCi. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 4 classified as significant. The most significant concern is CV joint boot failure (£80–£300 to address).
The constant velocity joint protective boots on the driveshafts fail at exceptionally high rates on this model, with MOT data showing failure rates up to 39.4 times the national fleet average. The boots protect the CV joints from dirt and water ingress while retaining grease. Once the boot splits or comes loose, the joint rapidly deteriorates due to contamination and grease loss. This affects the outer CV joints primarily, causing clicking noises on turning and eventual joint failure requiring driveshaft replacement.
If left unrepaired, contamination destroys the CV joint requiring complete driveshaft replacement. Boot replacement costs £80-150 per side if caught early. Once the joint fails, driveshaft replacement costs £200-400 per side. A failed CV joint can lock up or separate, causing loss of drive to that wheel.
Listen for clunking or vibration from underneath when pulling away or changing direction. Check for play in the driveshafts by rocking the car in gear with the handbrake on. Worn CV boots are a telltale sign — look for grease splatter around the inner wheel arch.
Front wheel bearings show excessive wear at 10.3 times the national fleet average, particularly affecting the 1.5L diesel variant. The sealed bearing units develop play and noise earlier than typical for this vehicle class. This appears to be a design or manufacturing issue specific to this generation, with failures concentrated in the 40,000-100,000 mile range. The condition is worsening according to MOT trend data.
A worn wheel bearing creates noise, vibration, and steering feel deterioration. If completely failed, the wheel can seize or become loose, creating a serious safety hazard. Replacement typically costs £150-250 per corner including labour. The car remains driveable with mild bearing wear but should not be used if severe play is detected.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Suspension pins, bushes, and joints wear at This encompasses front lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and steering components. The trend is worsening according to MOT data, suggesting either a design weakness or parts quality issue. Failures span the entire mileage range but peak at 60,000-80,000 miles.
Worn suspension components affect vehicle stability, steering precision, and braking effectiveness. Multiple components typically require replacement during major suspension overhauls. Individual drop links cost £40-80 per pair, while lower arm bushes require specialist pressing equipment. Total suspension refresh can cost £400-800 depending on component count.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Front coil springs fracture at 3.2 times the national average, typically breaking near the bottom coil where corrosion and stress concentrate. This is a common issue on many European cars of this era but appears more prevalent on this model. A fractured spring reduces ride height, affects handling, and can damage the tyre sidewall if the broken coil moves. The trend is worsening according to recent MOT data.
A broken spring affects vehicle stability and can damage tyres if the broken coil contacts the sidewall. The car remains driveable but handling is compromised. Spring replacement costs £80-150 per side including fitting. Springs are typically replaced in pairs to maintain even ride height and handling characteristics.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Brake discs wear at 2.7 times the fleet average, particularly on the 1.6L diesel variant at 60,000-80,000 miles. This may indicate either inferior disc metallurgy or pad compound causing accelerated wear. The discs become significantly worn, scored, or develop excessive thickness variation requiring replacement. Both front and rear discs are affected according to MOT failure data.
Worn brake discs reduce braking efficiency and can cause vibration or noise during braking. If allowed to wear beyond minimum thickness, the disc can crack or fail catastrophically. Disc replacement costs £80-150 per axle plus labour. Discs are typically replaced in pairs along with brake pads.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Renault G common problems page.
Based on 6k real DVSA MOT tests, the Renault G fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... at 39x the fleet average, followed by reversing lamp inoperative (16x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Renault G MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 12k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing belt (£400–£600).
See the full Renault G service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Renault G is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Renault G, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Renault G issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.