2007 Renault Laguna diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Renault Laguna diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Renault Laguna diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Steering swivel joints7.5× usual
  Renault Laguna

  8.3% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.2% of all 2007 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 joint2.2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  13.4% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Renault Laguna

  9.7% All 2007 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  7.2% All 2007 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2007 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.

• Anti-lock braking system4.2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  4.6% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2007 Renault Laguna diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Renault Laguna diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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
  47% 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
  46% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Driveshafts and joints
  11% 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 2007 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 steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.5× as often on the 2007 Renault Laguna diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2007 Renault Laguna diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2007 Renault Laguna diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?