What are the most common problems with a 2006 Renault Espace diesel?

The biggest MOT weak spot is steering rack inner joints: flagged on 16.7% of tests, 4.4× the rate for all 2006 cars, followed by coil springs (23.3%).

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2006 Renault Espace diesel?

Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2006 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.) Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

2006 Renault Espace diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Renault Espace first registered in 2006 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 305 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 305 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

305MOTs of 2006 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025

52%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)

6,400typical miles a year

4.4×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Renault Espace diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Renault Espace diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

Steering rack inner joints4.4× usual

Renault Espace
16.7% All 2006 cars
3.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Coil springs2.2× usual

Renault Espace
23.3% All 2006 cars
10.5%

Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 3.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
Track rod ends2.7× usual

Renault Espace
14.8% All 2006 cars
5.5%

Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Ball joint2.1× usual

Renault Espace
13.4% All 2006 cars
6.4%

Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2006 Renault Espace diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Renault Espace diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Suspension

60% 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.
Brakes

41% 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

38% 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.
Lights and electrics

37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

21% 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.
Steering

20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Renault Espace diesel

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

Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2006 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
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

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2012	–	Too few tests
2011	262	Suspension 48%
2010	322	Suspension 47%
2009	375	Suspension 48%
2008	611	Suspension 52%
2007	940	Suspension 57%
2005	300	Suspension 53%
2004	232	Lights and electrics 47%
2003	104	Suspension 52%
2002	171	Brakes 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 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score