Spacious, comfortable SUV at bargain prices
The Koleos was a commercial failure in the UK across both generations — the Mk1 was withdrawn after just three years, and the Mk2 lasted only from 2017 to 2020. This sales disaster works in buyers' favour, as used prices are very low for what is a genuinely spacious, well-equipped and comfortable SUV based on the proven Nissan X-Trail platform. It lacks the driving polish of a Mazda CX-5 or Skoda Kodiaq, but nothing at its used price offers as much space and standard equipment.
We track 5 known issues across the Renault Koleos 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 Koleos? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Gen1 (2008–2016) — Engine options included the 2.0 dCi. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension ball joint excessive wear (£200–£400 to address).
Gen2 (2017–2023) — Engine options included the 1.6 dCi, 2.0 dCi. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension ball joint excessive wear (£200–£400 to address).
The front suspension lower ball joints show excessive wear and free play at significantly higher rates than other vehicles. MOT data shows this model fails ball joint tests at 58.3 times the fleet average, with peak failures between 20,000-40,000 miles. This affects steering precision and is a dangerous defect that can lead to loss of steering control if the joint separates. The issue appears across both generations with diesel engines.
Ball joint failure can cause complete loss of steering control and wheel detachment, presenting an immediate safety risk. The affected wheel may suddenly change direction or the suspension may collapse. Worn ball joints also cause irregular tyre wear and poor handling. Replacement typically requires the full lower arm assembly.
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 components show excessive damage or corrosion at 13.6 times the fleet average, with peak failures occurring between 60,000-80,000 miles. The trend is worsening across the test period. This typically affects lower arms, anti-roll bar links, and subframe mounting points. Corrosion can weaken load-bearing components and compromise the structural integrity of the suspension system.
Severely corroded suspension components can fail without warning, potentially causing loss of vehicle control. Corroded subframe mounting points present particular danger as they support the entire front suspension assembly. Early intervention allows for component replacement before structural damage occurs.
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.
The steering system develops excessive free play at the steering wheel at 17.8 times the fleet average, with peak occurrences between 40,000-60,000 miles. The trend is worsening. This typically indicates wear in the steering rack, intermediate shaft joints, or steering column components. Excessive free play reduces steering precision and can make the vehicle difficult to control accurately.
Excessive steering free play makes precise vehicle control difficult, particularly during emergency maneuvers or when maintaining lane position at speed. The underlying cause may be wear in critical steering components that could fail and cause loss of steering control. Professional diagnosis is essential to identify the specific worn component.
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.
Suspension bushes and pins show excessive wear at 10.1 times the fleet average, affecting both diesel variants. Peak failures occur between 60,000-80,000 miles with a worsening trend. This typically involves anti-roll bar bushes, lower arm bushes, and drop link pins. While not immediately dangerous, worn bushes affect handling precision and allow excessive movement in the suspension.
Worn bushes cause poor ride quality, increased road noise, and reduced handling precision. They allow excessive movement in suspension components which can accelerate wear of other parts including ball joints and shock absorbers. Replacement involves removing suspension arms in most cases.
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.
The engine management light (MIL) illuminates indicating a malfunction at 6.6 times the fleet average, with peak occurrences between 120,000-150,000 miles and a worsening trend. On diesel Koleos models this commonly relates to emissions system faults including DPF blockages, EGR valve issues, or sensor failures. The light indicates stored fault codes in the engine management system requiring diagnostic investigation.
An illuminated MIL indicates stored fault codes that require professional diagnosis with an OBD scanner. Ignoring the warning can lead to more serious engine damage, particularly with diesel emissions systems. The vehicle may enter limp mode restricting performance. MOT failure is likely if the MIL remains illuminated.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Renault Koleos common problems page.
Based on 20k real DVSA MOT tests, the Renault Koleos fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is track rod ends worn at 58x the fleet average, followed by free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... (43x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Renault Koleos 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 and water pump (£400–£600).
See the full Renault Koleos service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Renault Koleos 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. 2019-2020 (Mk2 facelift with refined styling, improved equipment and the most sorted driving dynamics)
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 Koleos, 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 Koleos issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.