2016 Renault Megane Scenic: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Renault Megane Scenics, from 317 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 317 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2016 Renault Megane Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres36% 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.
- Suspension26% 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.
- Brakes21% 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 electrics16% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering4% 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.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Timing belt every five yearsAll engines
All engines need a new timing belt every five years or 60,000 miles, £500 or more at a dealer.
At the viewing: Ask for an invoice if it's due.
Source: What Car?: used Renault Megane (2008-2016) reliability
- Oil burning (1.2 TCe / DIG-T petrol)1.2 TCe / DIG-T turbo petrol
The 1.2 turbo petrol shared by Renault and Nissan (TCe or DIG-T) can burn oil, and some owners have needed a replacement engine. Running low on oil makes it worse.
At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick, look for blue smoke from the exhaust, and ask how often it needs topping up. It should be checked every 1,000–2,000 miles.
Source: Auto Express: used Renault Kadjar (2015 on) review, Car Mechanics: buying and owning the Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013-2021)
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 434 | Tyres 30% |
| 2003 | 508 | Brakes 49% |
| 2002 | 511 | Brakes 52% |
| 2001 | 376 | Brakes 52% |
| 2000 | 205 | Brakes 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Renault Megane Scenics registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score