Used car guide

2003 Renault Laguna diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Renault Laguna first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 297 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 297 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

297MOTs of 2003 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
50%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
5,600typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for brake discs

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Renault Laguna diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Renault Laguna diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Brake discs2.3× usual
    Renault Laguna
    29.6% All 2003 cars
    12.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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 joints4.8× usual
    Renault Laguna
    16.2% All 2003 cars
    3.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Renault Laguna diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Renault Laguna diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    56% 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
    52% 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
    38% 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
    31% 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
    19% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    18% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Renault Laguna 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 Renault Laguna diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2003 Renault Laguna diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Renault Laguna?

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 Laguna compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012775Suspension 43%
20114,316Suspension 45%
20105,018Suspension 48%
20093,558Suspension 48%
20085,891Suspension 50%
20072,713Suspension 55%
20061,392Suspension 54%
20051,132Suspension 53%
20041,168Suspension 55%
2002506Suspension 51%
2001177Suspension 50%
2000302Suspension 49%
1999169Suspension 44%
1998104Lights and electrics 38%
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–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 Laguna cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score