Model reliability

Renault Espace reliability

The Renault Espace fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 46.1% of 1,807 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

46.1% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 1,807 MOT tests of Renault Espaces this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 3× as oftenSteering linkage components8.2% vs 2.4%

Fails 55% more oftenSuspension arms7.9% vs 5.1%

Fails 37% more oftenHeadlamp aim7.4% vs 5.4%Fix about £30

Fails 61% more oftenSprings6.6% vs 4.1%Fix about £150

Advised 33% more oftenTyre tread depth25.6% vs 19.3%Fix about £90

Advised 49% more oftenMechanical brake components25.2% vs 16.9%

Advised 40% more oftenFluid leaks14.1% vs 10.1%

Advised 81% more oftenSprings11.4% vs 6.3%Fix about £150

Safety recalls

12 DVSA recalls for the Renault Espace

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2005/03129 Apr 2005Built 2003–2004Potential of an odour and smoke emission from the dashboard

Potential of an odour and smoke emission from the dashboard

Fix: Affected vehicles will have a resistor removed from the wiring circuit

Recalled models: ESPACE · 398 vehicles

R/2004/02020 Feb 2004Built 2002–2003Possibility of emission from the dashboard vents into the cabin

Potential smell and emission of smoke from the dashboard vents

Fix: Recall affected vehicles for reprogramming and configuration of the air conditioning software

Recalled models: ESPACE · 1,040 vehicles

R/2004/02120 Feb 2004Built 2002–2003Potential emission of smoke from dashboard vent into the cabin

Potential smell and emission of smoke from the dashboard vents

Fix: Recall affected vehicles for reprogramming and configuration of the air conditioning software

Recalled models: ESPACE · 3,071 vehicles

R/2003/08518 Jul 2003Built 2003Potential lack of handbrake efficiency

It is possible that the handbrake may not be fully effective when the vehicle is parked.

Fix: Reprogramme the parking brake computer software.

Recalled models: ESPACE · 359 vehicles

R/2002/11523 Sept 2002Built 1996–1998Possible loss of spare wheel

The spare wheel winch cable may seize or break and allow the wheel to fall onto the road.

Fix: Fit a modified spare wheel support cross member and winch unit.

Recalled models: ESPACE · 6,597 vehicles

R/2002/06415 Jul 2002Built 1999–2000Side air bag concern

The electrical connections to the side air bags may be transposed. This could result in the air bag on the opposite side to an impact being deployed.

Fix: Check side air bag wiring for transposed connections and correct where necessary.

Recalled models: ESPACE · 3,609 vehicles

R/2002/06515 Jul 2002Built 1999Possible unscheduled deployment of air bag

The air bag control electrical wiring attached to the drivers swivelling seat may become damaged and cause unscheduled deployment of the drivers' air bag.

Fix: Examine wiring for damage and re-route and secure as necessary

Recalled models: ESPACE · 467 vehicles

R/2001/00228 Feb 2001Built 2000Possibility of loss of efficiency in braking system.

There is a possibility of the fastener attaching the brake caliper to the Stub Axle coming loose on the rear wheels due to a mismatch between the Stub Axle and the fastener. This can adversely affect the performance of the fastener and may lead to a loss of efficiency in the braking system.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace original fastener with a modified type and a lock washer to prevent it coming loose.

Recalled models: ESPACE · 1,090 vehicles

R/2000/04418 Apr 2000Built 2000Possibility of reduction in vacuum servo assistance

A specific batch of vacuum pumps may have a potential defect (blockage) which may cause a reduction in servo assistance.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace vacuum pump.

Recalled models: ESPACE · 10,425 vehicles

R/1995/0653 Nov 1995Built 1991–1992Hot coolant may enter passenger compartment

There is a risk of scalding to occupants of the front seats as a result of hot coolant leaking from the heater matrix into the passenger compartment.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for inspection of the heater matrix. Where this is found to be of an unmodified design (visually apparent) it will be replaced with a modified unit.

Recalled models: ESPACE · 730 vehicles

R/1995/01523 Mar 1995Built 1992–1994Possible fire risk

Under certain circumstances the fuel filter outlet pipe union may contact the heating element fitted to the fuel filter body. This will result in a short circuit with possible fire risk.

Fix: Recall the subject vehicles for the inclusion of a fuse link in the fuel filter heating element circuit and the fitment of a clip to ensure that the filter outlet pipe union is held clear of the element body.

Recalled models: ESPACE · 3,213 vehicles

R/1992/00724 Jan 1992Built 1991Locking of front seat pivot mechanism

The front seat pivoting mechanism may not operate correctly. This may lead to imprecise locking of the front seats which under certain driving conditions may have safety implications if the driving seat is not retained in the normal driving mo

Fix: Recall affected vehicles for replacement of the seat pivot flange and the fitment of an additional ring washer on both front seats.

Recalled models: ESPACE · 644 vehicles

Show all 12 recalls

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Renault Espace before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Renault Espace reliability

12 DVSA recalls for the Renault Espace

Checking a Renault Espace before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.