Used car guide

2002 Renault Scenic: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Renault Scenics, from 270 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 270 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

270MOT tests in 2025
59%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 60%)
4,500typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 Renault Scenics than on all cars registered in 2002.

  • Brake discs2.1× usual
    Renault Scenic
    26.7% All 2002 cars
    12.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.8% of all 2002 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.

  • Braking performance2.3× usual
    Renault Scenic
    16.7% All 2002 cars
    7.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 3.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

By area

The share of 2002 Renault Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    47% 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
    44% 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
    41% 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
    17% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Looking at a Renault Scenic?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019290Tyres 32%
2018580Tyres 31%
20171,098Tyres 31%
20161,054Tyres 31%
20153,017Suspension 35%
20143,041Suspension 41%
20132,747Suspension 44%
20122,439Suspension 49%
20113,601Suspension 49%
20105,140Suspension 50%
20091,585Suspension 48%
20081,960Suspension 51%
20072,116Suspension 53%
20061,437Brakes 52%
2005584Suspension 50%
2004419Lights and electrics 51%
2003364Brakes 51%
2001151Lights and electrics 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Renault Scenics registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score