Comfort-first cruiser with a chequered past
The Renault Laguna was a French family car across three generations (1994-2015) that competed with the Mondeo and Vectra on comfort and value rather than driving engagement. It was a popular fleet and family choice in the UK, though a reputation for electrical gremlins damaged residual values. The third-generation coupe offered genuine style but never overcame the reliability stigma.
We track 5 known issues across the Renault Laguna range, with 4 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Renault Laguna? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Mk1 (1994–2001) — Petrol options included the 1.6 16V, 1.8 16V, 2.0 16V, with 1.9 dTi, 2.2 dT on the diesel side. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 4 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Front suspension ball joint wear (£200–£350 to address).
Mk2 (2001–2007) — Petrol options included the 1.8 16V, 2.0 16V, with 1.9 dCi, 2.2 dCi on the diesel side. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 4 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Front suspension ball joint wear (£200–£350 to address).
Mk3 (2007–2015) — Petrol options included the 2.0 16V, with 1.5 dCi, 2.0 dCi on the diesel side. We track 4 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Front suspension ball joint wear (£200–£350 to address).
The front suspension lower ball joints on all Laguna generations fail at exceptionally high rates. MOT data shows this model fails ball joint tests at 34.5 times the fleet average, with particularly severe problems on 2.0-litre variants. The ball joints connect the front subframe to the lower control arms and their failure creates dangerous play in the steering geometry. This is a widespread design weakness affecting all engine variants across the model's production run.
Complete ball joint failure allows the wheel to separate from the lower control arm, causing instant loss of steering control and potential vehicle rollover. Even partial wear creates dangerous steering geometry changes, tyre scrub, and unpredictable handling. Replacement requires specialist alignment afterwards.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
Front suspension mounting bushes and pivot pins fail at extraordinary rates on all Laguna variants. MOT data shows failures at 104 times the fleet average, with the worst performance on 2.0-litre petrol models between 20,000-40,000 miles. The rubber bushes in the front subframe mountings and lower wishbone pivot points deteriorate rapidly, allowing excessive movement in the suspension geometry. This represents the single most significant MOT failure point for this model.
Severely worn suspension bushes compromise vehicle stability, create unpredictable handling, and accelerate tyre wear. Complete bush failure can allow suspension components to move beyond their design limits, potentially causing wheel alignment damage or component contact with bodywork during extreme suspension travel.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Front coil springs fracture at 23.2 times the national average, with particularly severe problems on 2.0-litre diesel variants. The springs develop stress cracks and ultimately break, usually at the bottom coil where road salt and debris accumulate. Spring failure causes the vehicle to drop dramatically on one corner, compromises handling, and can damage the shock absorber and suspension mounting points. This is a significant structural safety issue.
Complete spring fracture causes immediate loss of suspension support on that corner, creating dangerous handling characteristics and potential tyre contact with the wheel arch. The car should not be driven with a broken spring. Replacement typically requires both springs to maintain balanced handling.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The 1.8-litre petrol engine fails emissions tests at This specific engine variant struggles to meet MOT emissions limits for CO and HC (hydrocarbons), typically due to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor failures, or carbon build-up on intake valves. The problem is severe enough to render cars unroadworthy until expensive repairs are completed.
Emissions failure makes the car illegal for road use and prevents MOT renewal. Typical fixes include catalytic converter replacement (£400-800), lambda sensor replacement (£150-300), or engine management system repairs. Cars may require multiple repair attempts to achieve compliance.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
Driveshaft CV joint protective boots fail at 42.3 times the fleet average, particularly on 2.0-litre diesel variants. The rubber or plastic boots that protect the constant velocity joints from dirt ingress split, tear, or become completely detached. Once the boot fails, road dirt and water enter the CV joint bearing surfaces, causing rapid wear and eventual joint failure. This is a predictable maintenance item but requires prompt attention when detected.
Boot failure leads to CV joint contamination and wear. If caught early, boot replacement costs £100-200. If left until joint failure, complete driveshaft replacement costs £300-500. A failed outer CV joint creates clicking noises and eventual loss of drive to that wheel.
Listen for clunking or vibration from underneath when pulling away or changing direction. Check for play in the driveshafts by rocking the car in gear with the handbrake on. Worn CV boots are a telltale sign — look for grease splatter around the inner wheel arch.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Renault Laguna common problems page.
Based on 76k real DVSA MOT tests, the Renault Laguna fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is parking brake inefficient at 1473x the fleet average, followed by steering lock missing or not functioning (125x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Renault Laguna MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 12k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing belt and tensioner (£350–£500).
See the full Renault Laguna service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Renault Laguna is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way. The 2008-2012 third-generation (Laguna III) models are the most reliable, with improved build quality over earlier cars. Stick to the 2.0 dCi with a manual gearbox for the best experience. Avoid the first-generation entirely (serious electrical issues) and be cautious with early second-generation automatics. Always check the keycard system works flawlessly.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Renault Laguna, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Renault Laguna issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.