2008 Renault Grand Espace diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Track rod ends3.1× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  15.8% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  19.7% All 2008 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 4.1% of all 2008 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.9× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  10.4% 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.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  13.1% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, 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 Grand Espace

  12.9% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, 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 Grand Espace diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  50% 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
  39% 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
  35% 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.

• 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.

• Steering
  12% 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 2008 Renault Grand Espace diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2008 Renault Grand Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2008 Renault Grand Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2008 Renault Grand Espace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?