Used car guide

2003 Renault Espace: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Renault Espace first registered in 2003: we looked at the 104 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 104 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

104MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
60%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
4,600typical miles a year
52%had suspension flagged

Common 2003 Renault Espace MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Renault Espace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    52% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    42% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    38% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    33% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Steering
    23% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Renault Espace

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Renault Espace?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Renault Espace compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012–Too few tests
2011262Suspension 48%
2010322Suspension 47%
2009375Suspension 48%
2008611Suspension 52%
2007940Suspension 57%
2006399Suspension 57%
2005300Suspension 53%
2004232Lights and electrics 47%
2002171Brakes 49%
2001–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests
1999–Too few tests
1998–Too few tests
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests
1990–Too few tests
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Renault Espace cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score