1981 Renault R4 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for R4 models manufactured in 1981, based on 51 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1981 Renault R4 MOT Analysis
The 1981 Renault R4 has an MOT pass rate of 68.6% based on 51 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 59,032 miles on the odometer. With a 31.4% failure rate, the 1981 R4 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1981 Renault R4 is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 3.9% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Steering is the second most common issue at 3.9%. Suspension follows at 3.9%.
Top failures specific to 1981 models only. The overall R4 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 3.9% | 2 |
| 2 | Steering | 3.9% | 2 |
| 3 | Suspension | 3.9% | 2 |
| 4 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 2.0% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 59,032 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.66 | 3.9% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.66 | 3.9% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.66 | 3.9% | 2 |
| Body & Structure | 0.33 | 2.0% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1981 Renault R4 has an MOT pass rate of 68.6% based on 51 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 59,032 miles on the odometer. With a 31.4% failure rate, the 1981 R4 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1981 Renault R4, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. At 59,032 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 3.9% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 3.9% of MOT failures on 1981 Renault R4 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Steering — 3.9% of failures
Steering issues account for 3.9% of MOT failures on 1981 Renault R4 models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Suspension — 3.9% of failures
Suspension issues account for 3.9% of MOT failures on 1981 Renault R4 models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.