Used car guide

2011 Renault Grand Espace: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Renault Grand Espaces, from 219 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 219 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

219MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%)
8,200typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 Renault Grand Espaces than on all cars registered in 2011.

  • Track rod ends3.1× usual
    Renault Grand Espace
    16.4% All 2011 cars
    5.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 2.6% of all 2011 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 joint2.2× usual
    Renault Grand Espace
    13.7% All 2011 cars
    6.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 3.2% of all 2011 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.

By area

The share of 2011 Renault Grand Espace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    55% 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.

  • 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.

  • Brakes
    36% 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
    30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    10% 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
    10% 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
2010178Suspension 46%
2009115Suspension 52%
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 2011 Renault Grand Espaces registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score