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Renault2001–2015 Critical issues documented

Renault Laguna: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Renault Laguna (2001–2015) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Renault Laguna

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

8

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$450–$1,300

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Which Renault Laguna are you looking at?

14 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Renault Laguna

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Renault LagunaEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Laguna came with 10, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Renault Laguna

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Renault Laguna before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Remove timing belt cover and assess belt tension and condition.

    See why

    F4R 2.0 16v Timing Belt Tensioner Spring Fatigue

    The F4R 2.0 16v engine fitted across Laguna II and Laguna III uses a spring-loaded timing belt tensioner whose coil spring fatigues under repeated heat cycles and sustained high-load driving. Reduced spring preload allows progressive belt slack to build until the timing belt skips teeth during hard acceleration or rapid engine braking. As an interference engine design, any belt tooth skip causes immediate valve-to-piston contact, bending valves and damaging pistons. Laguna II and III examples in the NZ and AU second-hand market are frequently at high mileage with unverifiable belt service histories, substantially elevating risk.

    What you would notice

    • Engine stops suddenly under load with no warning and will not restart
    • Rattling or slapping noise from front of engine immediately before failure
    • Engine cranks freely but produces no compression post-incident
    • Bent valves visible if rocker cover is removed after failure
    • No spark or fuel delivery fault codes despite cranking engine

    Typically $900–$7,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check transmission fluid condition on dipstick for dark brown colour or burnt smell indicating severely overdue service.

    See why

    DP0/AL4 Auto Internal Belt and Hydraulic Pump Failure

    The DP0 (AL4) 4-speed automatic transmission fitted to Laguna II uses an internal steel drive belt to drive the hydraulic pump that generates line pressure for clutch pack engagement. The belt runs in an oil-bathed environment but is extremely sensitive to degraded transmission fluid, which loses viscosity and lubricity well before the manufacturer-stated service intervals suggest replacement. As fluid breaks down, the internal drive belt wears and the pump loses volumetric efficiency, causing hydraulic line pressure to drop and clutch packs to slip during engagement. Progressive pressure loss leads to delayed gear selection, harsh shifts, and ultimately complete transmission failure requiring full rebuild or unit replacement.

    What you would notice

    • Delayed or hesitant engagement when selecting Drive or Reverse from Park
    • Harsh or jerky gear changes particularly at low speeds
    • Transmission slipping between gear ratios under acceleration
    • Transmission warning light or Check Engine light illumination
    • Whining noise from transmission under load
    • Transmission fluid burnt smell or overheating warning

    Typically $2,800–$6,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Road test at steady 80-100 km/h in lockup gear to reproduce the shudder and confirm it disappears under slight throttle change.

    See why

    DP0/AL4 4-Speed Auto Torque Converter Lock-Up Shudder

    The DP0/AL4 4-speed automatic torque converter used in Laguna II employs a lock-up clutch that mechanically couples engine and transmission at highway speeds to eliminate torque converter slip and improve fuel economy. The lock-up clutch friction material degrades progressively when transmission fluid is not changed at shortened drain intervals, as the fluid carries away friction material particles that contaminate valve body solenoids. As the friction material wears, the clutch shudders on engagement rather than locking cleanly, producing a rhythmic vibration at 60-100 km/h that can be misidentified as an engine misfire or drivetrain imbalance. Continued operation accelerates internal contamination and leads to clutch pack and solenoid failure.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic shudder or vibration felt through vehicle at 60-100 km/h in cruising gear
    • Vibration disappears when lightly accelerating or lifting throttle at cruise speed
    • Sensation similar to driving over rumble strips at highway speed
    • Transmission fluid appearing dark brown or smelling burnt on dipstick
    • Check Engine light with torque converter lock-up fault code stored

    Typically $2,200–$5,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Apply and release the electronic parking brake several times, confirming it holds firmly on an incline and releases cleanly without a warning.

    See why

    Electronic parking brake fault

    The Laguna III uses a fully electronic parking brake with motor-driven rear caliper actuators. Owners frequently report a parking brake fault warning with a flashing red brake switch and an orange spanner or check-parking-brake message, sometimes with the brake failing to engage or release. Causes traced by forum members include worn caliper actuator motors, a faulty dashboard switch, corroded earth straps and failed rectifier components on the control board. The brake may work intermittently then fault completely, which is both a safety and a compliance concern.

    What you would notice

    • Parking brake fault or check-parking-brake warning on the dash
    • Flashing red button and orange spanner light
    • Brake will not engage or will not release automatically
    • Intermittent fault that clears when moving off

    Typically $450–$1,300 to put right.

See all 8 documented issuesEverything researched for the Renault Laguna, including 2 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Renault Laguna has — 8Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling4

01F4R 2.0 16v Timing Belt Tensioner Spring Fatigue

Remove timing belt cover and assess belt tension and condition.petrol2001–2015EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

022.0 dCi (M9R) timing chain stretch

diesel2005–2015Engine
OccasionalEngine $1,200–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2.0 dCi M9R diesel fitted to later Laguna II and Laguna III uses a timing chain rather than a belt, and the chain and tensioner are known to stretch and wear. Renault treats the chain as a lifetime item, but in practice stretch develops around 150,000 to 200,000 km, producing a rattle on start-up and, if ignored, jumped timing and catastrophic internal engine damage. Because failure destroys the engine, chain rattle on this engine should be treated as an urgent inspection item.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Rattle or chatter from the timing end on cold start-up
  • Diesel-like knocking that rises with revs
  • Rough running or timing fault codes
  • Chain noise that persists after warm-up

What to check

  1. Start the engine from stone cold and listen at the timing (front) end for a rattling or chattering noise in the first few seconds, which is the classic sign of a stretched chain and worn tensioner.
  2. Ask for evidence the chain has been inspected or replaced on higher-mileage cars, and check service history for any timing-related work.
  3. Treat any persistent chain rattle as a reason to walk away or renegotiate, since failure wrecks the engine.

Where to look: Timing chain, tensioner and guides at the front of the 2.0 dCi engine

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Is there any rattle from the front of the engine on cold start?”
  • “Has the timing chain, tensioner or guides ever been replaced?”
  • “What is the mileage and has the chain been checked recently?”

03DP0/AL4 Auto Internal Belt and Hydraulic Pump Failure

Check transmission fluid condition on dipstick for dark brown colour or burnt smell indicating severely overdue service.2001–2007TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04DP0/AL4 4-Speed Auto Torque Converter Lock-Up Shudder

Road test at steady 80-100 km/h in lockup gear to reproduce the shudder and confirm it disappears under slight throttle change.2001–2007TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Electrical2

01Instrument cluster / dashboard display failure

2001–2007ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Keyless hands-free card and card reader failure

The Laguna II uses a credit-card-style keyless ignition card read by a slot-mounted card reader on the dashboard.2001–2007ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Electronic parking brake fault

Apply and release the electronic parking brake several times, confirming it holds firmly on an incline and releases cleanly without a warning.2007–2015BrakesRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Fluid leaks1

01K9K 1.5 dCi Injector Return Rail Banjo Bolt Washer Leak

diesel2001–2007Fluid LeaksRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

Renault Laguna faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

DP0/AL4 4-Speed Auto Torque Converter Lock-Up ShudderMajor · TransmissionDP0/AL4 Auto Internal Belt and Hydraulic Pump FailureMajor · TransmissionElectronic parking brake faultMajor · BrakesF4R 2.0 16v Timing Belt Tensioner Spring FatigueCritical · EngineInstrument cluster / dashboard display failureMajor · ElectricalK9K 1.5 dCi Injector Return Rail Banjo Bolt Washer LeakMajor · Fluid LeaksKeyless hands-free card and card reader failureMajor · Electrical

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Renault Laguna’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Renault models

Renault Megane27 documented faultsRenault Koleos17 documented faultsRenault Clio15 documented faultsRenault Captur6 documented faultsRenault Scenic6 documented faultsRenault Trafic15 documented faults

Renault Laguna buyer questions

Is the Renault Laguna reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Renault Laguna, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and brakes. A Renault Laguna with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Renault Laguna?

We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Renault Laguna, covering engine, transmission, and brakes. All 8 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Renault Laguna?

Most single repairs on the Renault Laguna fall between $450–$1,300 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Renault Laguna?

Yes. A Renault Laguna inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.