Used car guide

2011 Renault Grand Scenic: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Renault Grand Scenics, from 3,106 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

3,106MOT tests in 2025
50%pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%)
7,700typical miles a year
2.8×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 Renault Grand Scenics than on all cars registered in 2011.

  • Ball joint2.8× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    16.8% All 2011 cars
    6.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 3.2% of all 2011 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.

  • Coil springs2× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    20.9% All 2011 cars
    10.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 12.6%, against 4.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Brake discs1.7× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    24.7% All 2011 cars
    14.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 2011 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.

  • Track rod ends2.6× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    13.9% All 2011 cars
    5.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2.6% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

  • Headlights2.4× usual
    Renault Grand Scenic
    13.8% All 2011 cars
    5.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 3.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Better than most

Sub-frame: 1.9% here, against 5.9% of all 2011 cars.

By area

The share of 2011 Renault Grand Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    54% 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 electrics
    45% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    43% 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.

  • 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    11% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    8% 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.

Looking at a Renault Grand Scenic?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019903Tyres 33%
2018649Tyres 34%
20171,097Tyres 35%
20161,307Suspension 34%
20151,368Suspension 36%
2014848Suspension 41%
20121,370Suspension 51%
20103,422Suspension 53%
2009977Suspension 51%
2008777Suspension 54%
2007735Suspension 58%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Renault Grand Scenics registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score