At a Glance
The Renault 21 has 24 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 21 (1986-1994) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 20K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Renault 21 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Renault 21 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Renault 21 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Renault 21 MOT Failures
Every reason Renault 21 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 12.16% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 7.37% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 5.75% |
| 4 | Brake disc or drum worn | 5.60% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.45% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 5.34% |
| 7 | Track rod end worn | 4.81% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.63% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 4.22% |
| 10 | Tyre condition | 3.99% |
| 11 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.22% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.79% |
| 13 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.75% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.53% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.42% |
| 16 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.39% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.21% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 1.72% |
| 19 | Parking brake condition | 1.59% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.56% |
| 21 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.46% |
| 22 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.44% |
| 23 | Seat belt condition | 1.41% |
| 24 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.26% |
| 25 | MacPherson strut worn | 1.07% |
| 26 | Rear suspension fault | 0.97% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.96% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 0.69% |
| 29 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.42% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.36% |
| 31 | Electrical switch fault | 0.34% |
| 32 | Front suspension fault | 0.34% |
| 33 | Steering operation fault | 0.32% |
| 34 | Indicator fault | 0.30% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.28% |
| 36 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.26% |
| 37 | Steering rack fault | 0.25% |
| 38 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.25% |
| 39 | Steering free play excessive | 0.25% |
| 40 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.25% |
| 41 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.24% |
| 42 | Position lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 43 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.18% |
| 44 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.17% |
| 45 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.16% |
| 46 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 47 | Steering column fault | 0.16% |
| 48 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.15% |
| 49 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.13% |
| 50 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.13% |
| 51 | Steering arm worn | 0.13% |
| 52 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 53 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 54 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.12% |
| 55 | Body security fault | 0.11% |
| 56 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.11% |
| 57 | Power steering ram fault | 0.11% |
| 58 | Brake fluid leak | 0.10% |
| 59 | Headlamp fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Power steering pump fault | 0.10% |
| 61 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.09% |
| 62 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.09% |
| 63 | CV joint worn | 0.08% |
| 64 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.08% |
| 65 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.08% |
| 66 | Chassis condition | 0.08% |
| 67 | Drag link end worn | 0.07% |
| 68 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.06% |
| 71 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 72 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 74 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 76 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 77 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Suspension unit fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Steering shaft fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 83 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 84 | Steering drive system fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 86 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 89 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 90 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.02% |
| 91 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 92 | Brake pedal fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.01% |
| 97 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 98 | Airbag warning light on | <0.01% |
| 99 | Body corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 100 | Brake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 102 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 103 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 105 | Flexible brake hose damaged | <0.01% |
| 106 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 111 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 114 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 117 | Wheel bearing worn | <0.01% |
| 118 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 118 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Renault 21 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Renault 21, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Renault 21 problems?
Based on analysis of 20K Renault 21 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 24 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension component mounting corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Renault 21 generation has the most problems?
The Renault 21 21 (1986-1994) (1986–1994) has the highest number of identified common problems (32). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Renault 21?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Renault 21 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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