2010 Renault Grand Espace: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Renault Grand Espace?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Renault Grand Espace than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  12.6% All 2010 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 2.5% of all 2010 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× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  12.3% All 2010 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 3.3% of all 2010 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.3× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  7.9% All 2010 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2010 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Renault Grand Espace

  8.9% All 2010 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.2% of all 2010 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 2010 Renault Grand Espace MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Renault Grand Espace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  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
  37% 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
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  9% 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 2010 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 2.5× as often on the 2010 Renault Grand Espace as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2010 Renault Grand Espace as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2010 Renault Grand Espace as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?