Renault Kadjar MOT Failures
An analysis of 602,048 real DVSA MOT tests on the Renault Kadjar — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: HFE (2015–2022).
Where the Renault Kadjar fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Renault Kadjar is any part of the noise suppression system insecure — this model is 7.8 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 602,048 MOT tests, 0.14% of all Renault Kadjar tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include front or rear fog lamp not securely attached (10x the fleet average), parking brake inefficient (22x the fleet average), body panel or body component (11x the fleet average), and tyre wear or damage (8.9x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Renault Kadjar's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 6 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Lights & Electrics, Brakes, Bodywork, Tyres and others. If you're inspecting a Renault Kadjar before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Renault Kadjar's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Renault Kadjar specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are body panel or body component (11x the average) and parking brake inefficient (7.5x). any part of the noise suppression system insecure (7.2x) and headlight fault (6.8x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Renault Kadjar specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are front or rear fog lamp not securely attached (7.2x the average) and tyre wear or damage (6.5x). any part of the noise suppression system insecure (6.0x) and body panel or body component (5.7x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Renault Kadjar specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are tyre wear or damage (8.4x the average) and any part of the noise suppression system insecure (5.9x).
The shift from body panel or body component at lower mileages to tyre wear or damage at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Renault Kadjar specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Turbo failure (HFE) Major
The 1.2 TCe turbocharged engine uses a small turbocharger with wastegate actuator that suffers from oil contamination and carbon build-up. Affects HFE; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,200.
DPF issues (HFE)
The diesel particulate filter on 1.5 dCi and 1.6 dCi engines becomes blocked when used predominantly for short journeys that prevent natural regeneration cycles. Affects HFE; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£1,200.
Suspension joint dust cover deterioration (HFE)
The rubber dust covers protecting suspension ball joints and CV joints deteriorate at 276.8 times the fleet average rate, particularly on 1.6 dCi variants. Affects HFE; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£150.
Engine MIL warning lights (HFE)
The malfunction indicator lamp (engine management light) illuminates at 6 dCi diesel variants. Affects HFE; typical independent garage repair cost is £50–£400.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Renault Kadjar common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Renault Kadjar
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Renault Kadjar:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for any part of the noise suppression system insecure, emissions failure. Lights & Electrics — check for front or rear fog lamp not securely attached, headlight fault. Brakes — check for parking brake inefficient. Bodywork — check for body panel or body component.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about turbo failure and dpf issues. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £800. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Renault Kadjar?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Renault Kadjar MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Renault Kadjar?
Based on 602,048 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is any part of the noise suppression system insecure — at 8x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include front or rear fog lamp not securely attached and parking brake inefficient.
Is the Renault Kadjar reliable based on MOT data?
The Renault Kadjar has 8 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag turbo failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Renault Kadjar most commonly fails on tyre wear or damage and any part of the noise suppression system insecure. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are body panel or body component and parking brake inefficient.
How do I check a Renault Kadjar's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.