Renault Espace MOT pass rate and common problems
59.2% of 2,342 Renault Espace MOT tests pass.
The Espace passes 59.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Renault models (69.5%).
The Renault Espace passes 59.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Renault Espace?
This is the average across every Renault Espace in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Renault’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate stays relatively stable with age: 57.8% at 10–15 years versus 59.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | too few tests (17) | 17 | no reading |
| 10–15 years | 57.8% | 424 | 120,656 miles |
| 15+ years | 59.5% | 1,901 | 128,490 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Renault Espace
The most common reason the Renault Espace fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 56.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 56.6% | Not working |
| Brakes | 53.9% | Warning lamp indicates an abs fault |
| Suspension | 45.2% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Body, chassis, structure | 18.5% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Steering | 18.1% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Tyres | 13.7% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 12.8% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.6% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.9% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 3.0% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Renault Espace: what to check
These checks follow the Renault Espace’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 62.5% down to 54.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 56.6% of failed Renault Espace MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 53.9% of failed Renault Espace MOTs.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 45.2% of failed Renault Espace MOTs.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
4. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 18.5% of failed Renault Espace MOTs.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
5. Steering
Recorded in 18.1% of failed Renault Espace MOTs.
The steering should feel precise, without knocks or play, and the car should run straight. Turn to full lock both ways and listen for clunks.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Renault service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Renault models
- Renault Grand Modus — 58.6% pass rate
- Renault Wind — 68.7% pass rate
- Renault Grand Espace — 60.4% pass rate
- Renault Arkana RS — 94.3% pass rate
- Renault Arkana — 93.2% pass rate
- Renault R5 — 77.4% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Renault Espace?
- 59.2% of Renault Espace MOT tests pass, based on 2,342 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Renault Espace?
- The most common reason the Renault Espace fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 56.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Renault Espace?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Renault Espace are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Renault Espace?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; bodywork and corrosion; steering. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Renault Espace's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Renault service history guide for how to check and keep one.