Used car guide

2003 Renault Laguna: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Renault Lagunas, from 203 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 203 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

203MOT tests in 2025
52%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
4,200typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Renault Lagunas than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Brake discs2.3× usual
    Renault Laguna
    29.1% All 2003 cars
    12.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.8% 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 joints5.1× usual
    Renault Laguna
    17.7% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    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.

  • Shock absorbers2.4× usual
    Renault Laguna
    15.8% All 2003 cars
    6.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

By area

The share of 2003 Renault Laguna 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.

  • Brakes
    53% 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
    36% 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
    33% 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
    22% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    13% 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.

Looking at a Renault Laguna?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012231Suspension 44%
20111,282Suspension 50%
20101,422Suspension 50%
2009981Suspension 49%
20081,555Suspension 52%
2007603Suspension 56%
2006318Suspension 49%
2005262Suspension 51%
2004269Suspension 57%
2002127Suspension 54%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Renault Lagunas registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score