Used car guide

2009 Renault Grand Espace: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Renault Grand Espaces, from 115 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 115 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

115MOT tests in 2025
49%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
8,300typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

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

  • Brake discs2.3× usual
    Renault Grand Espace
    33% All 2009 cars
    14.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.1% 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.

By area

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
    52% 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
    50% 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
    44% 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
    14% 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
    14% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2011219Suspension 55%
2010178Suspension 46%
2008217Suspension 48%
2007269Suspension 58%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Renault Grand Espaces registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score