Used car guide

2005 Renault Grand Scenic: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Renault Grand Scenics, from 305 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 305 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

305MOT tests in 2025
49%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
3,500typical miles a year
6.1×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Renault Grand Scenics than on all cars registered in 2005.

  • Steering rack inner joints6.1× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    23.6% All 2005 cars
    3.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Brake discs2.4× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    33.1% All 2005 cars
    13.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Ball joint2.7× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    17.4% All 2005 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Shock absorbers2.2× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    15.4% All 2005 cars
    6.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Brake pads2× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    15.7% All 2005 cars
    7.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.8% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

By area

The share of 2005 Renault Grand Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    59% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    55% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    53% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    37% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Steering
    27% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    22% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2020271Tyres 30%
2019903Tyres 33%
2018649Tyres 34%
20171,097Tyres 35%
20161,307Suspension 34%
20151,368Suspension 36%
2014848Suspension 41%
2013477Suspension 45%
20121,370Suspension 51%
20113,106Suspension 54%
20103,422Suspension 53%
2009977Suspension 51%
2008777Suspension 54%
2007735Suspension 58%
2006444Lights and electrics 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Renault Grand Scenics registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score