Used car guide

2008 Renault Espace: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Renault Espaces, from 160 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 160 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

160MOT tests in 2025
48%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
7,700typical miles a year
3.4×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Renault Espaces than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Track rod ends3.4× usual
    Renault Espace
    18.8% All 2008 cars
    5.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 2.5% 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.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    54% 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
    46% 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
    39% 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.

  • 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.

  • Steering
    16% 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
    12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009103Suspension 51%
2007244Suspension 60%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Renault Espaces registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score