2009 Renault Grand Espace: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Renault Grand Espace?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Renault Grand Espace than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Track rod ends3.4× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  16.6% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.8%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  25.6% All 2009 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Steering rack inner joints4.7× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  10.3% All 2009 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 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 joint2.3× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  14.8% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Shock absorbers2.1× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  14.6% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2009 Renault Grand Espace MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Renault Grand Espace 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  13% 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 2009 Renault Grand Espace

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 3.4× as often on the 2009 Renault Grand Espace as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Renault Grand Espace as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2009 Renault Grand Espace as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?