Versatile small van doubling as a practical MPV
The Kangoo has served UK buyers as both a small van and an MPV since 1997, across three generations. The Mk2 (2007-2021) dominates the used market from around £3,000-£8,000. The 1.5 dCi diesel is the UK bestseller, returning 54-60 mpg in real-world use. The all-new Mk3 arrived in the UK in late 2022. MOT data shows a higher-than-average defect rate of 179 per 100 vehicles for 2018 models, versus a 120 average.
We track 5 known issues across the Renault Kangoo range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Renault Kangoo? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Mk1 (1997–2008) — Petrol options included the 1.1 8v, 1.2 16v, 1.4 8v, 1.6 16v, with 1.5 dCi, 1.9 dTi/dCi on the diesel side.
KW1 (2008–2021) — Petrol options included the 1.1 16v, 1.6 16v, with 1.5 dCi, 1.5 dCi 90, 1.6 dCi on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension component failure (£200–£600 to address).
The Kangoo experiences exceptionally high rates of suspension component wear and failure compared to the national fleet. MOT data shows bushes, joints and mounting points failing at up to 235.4 times the average rate, with some components fracturing completely. This affects both passenger and commercial variants but is particularly severe on heavily-loaded vans. The failure pattern suggests inadequate component design for the vehicle's intended commercial use.
Complete suspension component failure creates an immediate safety risk through loss of vehicle control, wheel detachment, or collapse. Worn components cause rapid tyre wear, poor handling, and instability under braking or cornering. Repair typically requires replacement of multiple related components due to the interconnected nature of suspension geometry.
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.
Petrol Kangoo models suffer power steering fluid leaks and system malfunctions at 663.8 times the national fleet average. The problem affects the hydraulic power steering pump, high-pressure hoses, and rack seals. Commercial use with frequent low-speed manoeuvring and tight turning accelerates wear. Loss of power steering assistance makes the vehicle extremely difficult to control, particularly for emergency manoeuvres.
Complete power steering failure makes the vehicle extremely difficult to steer, particularly during parking and emergency manoeuvres. The pump can fail suddenly without warning. Continued operation with low fluid destroys the pump and rack, requiring replacement of the entire system at significant cost.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The Kangoo shows exceptionally high rates of steering rack gaiter and ball joint dust cover damage, peaking at 663.8 times the fleet average. These rubber boots protect the steering rack internals and ball joints from dirt and water ingress. Once damaged, contamination causes rapid wear of expensive steering components. The problem appears across all engine variants and affects both generations.
Damaged gaiters allow dirt and water to contaminate the steering rack and ball joints, causing rapid wear and eventual failure. Ball joint failure can cause sudden loss of steering control. Replacing contaminated steering components is significantly more expensive than preventive gaiter replacement.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
Diesel Kangoo models experience load sensing valve seizure and ABS component failures at up to 586.2 times the national average. The load sensing valve adjusts rear brake pressure based on vehicle loading, critical for commercial variants. When seized, it can cause dangerous brake imbalance, particularly problematic on loaded vans where rear brake lockup can cause loss of control.
Load sensing valve failure causes dangerous brake imbalance, particularly on loaded commercial vehicles. ABS failure removes the safety net for emergency braking. The vehicle may exhibit sudden rear brake lockup, causing loss of control during heavy braking. Complete system failure requires replacement of multiple expensive components.
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.
The 1.5 diesel Kangoo experiences brake caliper seizure at 586.2 times the fleet average, particularly on high-mileage examples. Commercial use patterns with frequent stop-start driving and heavy loading accelerate brake system wear. Seized calipers cause uneven braking, excessive heat build-up, and potential brake failure. The problem appears most severe on vehicles exceeding 150,000 miles.
Seized brake calipers create dangerous braking imbalance and can cause complete brake failure through overheating. The vehicle may pull violently to one side during braking or suffer brake fade in emergency situations. Seized calipers also cause rapid tyre wear and fuel economy deterioration through constant drag.
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 Kangoo common problems page.
Based on 309k real DVSA MOT tests, the Renault Kangoo fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is emissions failure at 314x the fleet average, followed by fuel pipe or hose chafing (243x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Renault Kangoo MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 12k miles) typically costs £45–£75 at an independent garage.
See the full Renault Kangoo service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Renault Kangoo has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2013-2016 Mk2 with the 1.5 dCi 90hp engine is the reliability sweet spot, offering proven durability with lower complexity. For the latest tech, the Mk3 (2022+) has a clean recall record so far. Always verify timing belt replacement history — it is due every 72,000 miles or five years and skipping it risks total engine destruction. Avoid 2018-2019 models unless the fuel pipe recall has been completed.
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 Kangoo, 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 Kangoo issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.