What are the most common problems with a 2008 Renault Espace diesel?

The biggest MOT weak spot is steering rack inner joints: flagged on 16.1% of tests, 6× the rate for all 2008 cars, followed by track rod ends (17.3%).

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2008 Renault Espace diesel?

Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2008 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2008 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 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

2008 Renault Espace diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Renault Espace first registered in 2008 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 542 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

542MOTs of 2008 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025

49%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)

8,200typical miles a year

6×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Renault Espace diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Renault Espace diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

Steering rack inner joints6× usual

Renault Espace
16.1% All 2008 cars
2.7%

Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 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.
Track rod ends3.4× usual

Renault Espace
17.3% All 2008 cars
5.1%

Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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 joint2.5× usual

Renault Espace
15.5% All 2008 cars
6.2%

Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.
Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual

Renault Espace
13.3% All 2008 cars
6.6%

Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2008 Renault Espace diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Renault Espace diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Suspension

51% 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

42% 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

41% 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

18% 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.
Driveshafts and joints

13% of testsRough price £60–£350

At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 6× as often on the 2008 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2008 Renault Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 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%
2007	940	Suspension 57%
2006	399	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 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score