2012 Renault Laguna: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Renault Laguna?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Renault Laguna than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  Renault Laguna

  17.9% All 2012 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.3%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Number plate lights2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  13% All 2012 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Renault Laguna

  9.5% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
  Renault Laguna

  8% All 2012 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.3× usual
  Renault Laguna

  6.8% All 2012 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Renault Laguna MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Renault Laguna MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  41% 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
  33% 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
  29% 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
  9% 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
  8% 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 2012 Renault Laguna

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2012 Renault Laguna as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2012 Renault Laguna as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Renault Laguna as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?