The NCT record
Renault Modus
Supermini. Measured from 3,458 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: About average
About average for its age. A sensible buy if the inspection and history check out.
NCT pass rate: 44% (Below average for its age)
44 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 1.09× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 9 years old — a 2017 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 9 | 52% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 48% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 31% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 37% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 34% | 42% |
| 2012 | 14 | 35% | 38% |
| 2011 | 15 | 18% | 36% |
| 2010 | 16 | 33% | 35% |
What tends to fail on it
Safety equipment
seatbelts, airbag warning light, horn, mirrors, wipers
€50–250 for seatbelts, horn, mirrors, wipers — up to €400 at worst.
Suspension performance
bounce test each corner, uneven ride height, knocking over bumps
€250–450 for shock absorbers, in pairs — up to €700 at worst.
Headlight aim
headlight aim and clouded or moisture-filled lenses
€20–60 for adjustment, or a new unit — up to €400 at worst.
Lighting & electrical
every bulb, indicator, battery condition, corroded connectors
€10–250 for bulbs, or a battery — up to €400 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€70–150 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other supermini options
- AToyota Yaris(Well above average)
- CFord Fiesta(About average)
- CVolkswagen Polo(About average)
- BNissan Micra(Above average)
- COpel Corsa(About average)
- BSkoda Fabia(Above average)
Other Renault models
- DRenault Clio(Below average)
- ERenault Megane(Well below average)
- DRenault Fluence(Below average)
- DRenault Captur(Below average)
- DRenault Laguna(Below average)
- ERenault Grand Scenic(Well below average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.