Renault Laguna: a family car with well-known weak spots

The Renault Laguna built up a reputation between 1993 and 2015 as an affordable, comfortable family car. However, the car suffers from recurring technical problems. Each generation has specific vulnerabilities that you, as an owner or potential buyer, need to be aware of. These range from electronic faults to rust and engine issues. Find out which defects are most common and how to recognise them before they cause major damage.

Three generations, each with its own history

The Laguna appeared on the market in three clearly defined model generations. The first generation (1993–2001) was launched as the successor to the Renault Medallion. You could choose from a hatchback or a Grandtour estate, with lengths ranging from 4510 to 4625 mm. Engine power varied from 83 to 190 hp, including a 2.0-litre Volvo engine up to 1999 and a 3.0-litre V6 that was updated to DOHC in 1997.

The second generation (2001–2007/2008) brought more size and more engine options. These models measure 4576 mm for the hatchback and 4695 mm for the Grandtour. Power ranged from 100 to 207 hp, with petrol and diesel options. In 2002 Renault added the 2.2 dCi diesel engine to the range. In 2003 the brand discontinued the direct-injection petrol engines. Some owners report that these models were already showing electronic sensitivities. The brand is now under fire due to a growing number of complaints about electronics. You can find more information on technical defects with Renault on the page about Renault car problems.

The third generation (2007–2015) made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. These models were available as a hatchback (4695–4803 mm), Grandtour and Coupé (4643 mm). Power ranged from 110 to 238 hp. Renault supplied the car with a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox or a 4- or 5-speed automatic. This generation gained keyless entry, sat nav and climate control as standard on higher trims.

Typical problems by generation

Each generation has recognisable weak points. The first generation mainly struggles with rust. This appears especially on the wheel arches and the bottoms of the doors. The second generation more often shows problems with the card key and electrical faults in the dashboard. For the third generation, owners report issues with the EGR valve (exhaust gas recirculation valve, a part that feeds exhaust gases back into the engine to reduce emissions). This valve regularly seizes up after 150,000 km. In addition, there are complaints about automatic gearboxes in the early Phase I models (the first version of the third generation between 2007 and 2010).

The Laguna II often suffers from corrosion on the underside of the chassis. When viewing used examples, check the weld seams underneath the car. Water can get in via badly sealed rubber trims. These sit around the doors and around the rear lights. This causes moisture in the boot and sometimes mould in the cabin.

From 2010 onwards, Renault introduced improvements to rust protection and LED lighting (energy-efficient light-emitting diodes). As a result, these Phase II models (the facelifted version of the third generation from 2010) are more reliable. Even so, you should remain cautious with older models that don’t have a complete service history.

Engine and drivetrain problems

The Laguna’s engines are known for their low fuel consumption and long service life. With proper maintenance, the 2.0 dCi diesels often cover more than 300,000 km. Even so, there are weak points. The EGR valve regularly becomes clogged after 150,000 km. This leads to loss of power and a juddering engine. Replace this valve preventively with aftermarket parts for roughly 200 to 300 euros.

The 2.0 Turbo petrol engine can suffer turbocharger problems at high mileage. Check whether the turbo spins freely and whether there is any oil leakage around the connections. Make sure the timing belt is replaced on time, at around 120,000 km. With neglected maintenance, the belt can snap and cause internal engine damage.

The automatic gearboxes in the Laguna III Phase I sometimes shift jerkily. This is due to wear on the clutch in the DCT transmission (a dual-clutch automatic gearbox). When buying, check whether the gearbox shifts smoothly in all gears. If in doubt, take a test drive with a cold engine and repeat it once the engine has warmed up.

Electronic faults and comfort

The Renault Laguna has a notorious reputation when it comes to electronics. The card key system regularly fails. Sometimes you can’t start or unlock the car because the card isn’t recognised. A new key card easily costs more than 500 euros. Always keep a spare card and check the battery in the card key regularly.

Electric windows can get stuck or work slowly. This is caused by worn runners or faulty motors. Replacing a window mechanism costs between 150 and 250 euros. Also check the central locking. When there are problems with the start card, the central locking sometimes stops working as well.

The instrument panel can fail due to technical faults. In addition, warning messages can appear without any clear cause. This is often linked to poor contacts or moisture damage to the circuit board behind the instrument cluster. Have this checked by a specialist garage that has experience with Renault electronics.

Suspension, brakes and steering

The Laguna has a relatively comfortable suspension setup, but that also means sensitive components. The control arm bushes wear out after 100,000 km. This causes rattling noises over bumps and wandering when steering. Replace the bushes in good time to prevent further damage to the suspension.

The shock absorbers lose their damping ability over time. You notice this as nose-diving when braking and excessive bouncing over bumps. A set of new shock absorbers costs between 300 and 500 euros excluding labour. Also check the driveshafts for splits in the rubber gaiters and grease leakage.

The brake discs and pads wear at a normal rate, but pay extra attention to the rear brakes. With little use they can rust solid. This causes squealing noises and reduced braking performance. Have the brakes checked regularly and have the rear brakes cleaned during servicing.

Bodywork and interior

Rust is a known problem with the first and second generation Laguna. Check the wheel arches, the bottoms of the doors and the sills. Rust often starts under the paint. It only becomes visible once the corrosion is already quite advanced. Also inspect the boot for rust around the edges of the rear lights.

Water leaks occur around the windscreen and rear lights. This causes damp in the cabin and can lead to mould growth. Check the rubber seals and have them replaced if in doubt. Mould is bad for your health and difficult to remove.

The interior generally holds up reasonably well, but the steering wheel and gear lever wear with heavy use. Seat upholstery can come loose on high-mileage models. Also check the buttons on the dashboard. These may stick or stop responding due to wear.

Prevention and maintenance

Regular maintenance significantly extends the life of your Laguna. Replace the engine oil every 15,000 km or once a year. Use 10W40 oil for diesel engines. Have the timing belt replaced at around 120,000 km. Check the coolant and brake fluid every year.

Have the EGR valve cleaned preventively during a service at 100,000 km. This prevents it from seizing and avoids expensive repairs. Check the battery regularly and replace it after five years. A weak battery can cause electronic faults.

Before winter, have the underside of the car sprayed with a protective coating. This slows down rust formation. Also check the door and light unit seals every year and replace them if they are cracked. This prevents water leaks.

Buying a used Laguna

When buying, look for a complete service history. Check whether the timing belt has been replaced and whether the EGR valve has been cleaned. Ask for the key card and test that it works properly. Check all electric functions, from the windows to the central locking.

Inspect the underside of the car thoroughly for rust. Look at the wheel arches, sills and chassis. Test the car on rough roads to listen for worn suspension components. Also check the automatic gearbox for jerky shifts.

Ideally, choose models from 2010 onwards with the Phase II improvements. These have better rust protection and LED lighting. The 2.0 dCi 180 hp Grandtour offers a good balance between performance and fuel consumption. Expect a purchase price between 2,000 and 8,000 euros, depending on year of manufacture and condition.

Weighing up the Laguna

The Renault Laguna remains an affordable family car offering space and comfort. The known issues are manageable if you recognise and tackle them in time. Electronic faults, rust and EGR valves require attention, but with preventive maintenance and a thorough inspection before purchase you can avoid nasty surprises. The dCi diesels perform well and cover high mileages. For fans of French cars on a modest budget, the Laguna remains an option – as long as you know what you need to look out for.