2008 Renault Grand Scenic: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Renault Grand Scenics, from 777 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Renault Grand Scenics than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Steering rack inner joints8.9× usualRenault Grand Scenic25.7% All 2008 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt 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× usualRenault Grand Scenic29% All 2008 cars14.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt 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.
- Sidelights2.8× usualRenault Grand Scenic20.5% All 2008 cars7.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 19.8%, against 6.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Ball joint2.5× usualRenault Grand Scenic16.2% All 2008 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Number plate lights2.1× usualRenault Grand Scenic18.4% All 2008 cars8.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
By area
The share of 2008 Renault Grand Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension54% 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.
- Lights and electrics51% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes48% 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.
- Tyres39% 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.
- Steering30% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints14% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 903 | Tyres 33% |
| 2018 | 649 | Tyres 34% |
| 2017 | 1,097 | Tyres 35% |
| 2016 | 1,307 | Suspension 34% |
| 2015 | 1,368 | Suspension 36% |
| 2014 | 848 | Suspension 41% |
| 2012 | 1,370 | Suspension 51% |
| 2011 | 3,106 | Suspension 54% |
| 2010 | 3,422 | Suspension 53% |
| 2009 | 977 | Suspension 51% |
| 2007 | 735 | Suspension 58% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Renault Grand Scenics registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score