Used car guide

2003 Renault Megane Scenic: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Renault Megane Scenics, from 508 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

508MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
4,500typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Renault Megane Scenics than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Brake discs2.2× usual
    Renault Megane Scenic
    27.8% All 2003 cars
    12.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.8% of all 2003 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.

  • Number plate lights1.9× usual
    Renault Megane Scenic
    15.2% All 2003 cars
    7.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 2.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
    Renault Megane Scenic
    13% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.9× usual
    Renault Megane Scenic
    7.1% All 2003 cars
    1.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

  • Washers2.6× usual
    Renault Megane Scenic
    9.3% All 2003 cars
    3.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 3.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Better than most

Suspension arm bushes and joints: 4.3% here, against 8.7% of all 2003 cars.

By area

The share of 2003 Renault Megane Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    49% 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
    46% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    43% 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.

  • Tyres
    38% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    23% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    16% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2002511Brakes 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Renault Megane Scenics registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score