Used car guide

2003 Renault Scenic: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Renault Scenics, from 364 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 364 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

364MOT tests in 2025
55%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
4,100typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

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

  • Brake discs2.2× usual
    Renault Scenic
    28.3% All 2003 cars
    12.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, 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.

  • Tyre condition1.8× usual
    Renault Scenic
    27.2% All 2003 cars
    14.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

  • Braking performance2.2× usual
    Renault Scenic
    15.4% All 2003 cars
    7.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 3% of all 2003 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.

  • Steering rack inner joints3.1× usual
    Renault Scenic
    11% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

  • Number plate lights1.9× usual
    Renault Scenic
    15.1% All 2003 cars
    7.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, 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.

By area

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

  • Brakes
    51% 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
    47% 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
    42% 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
    21% 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.

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%
2002270Brakes 47%
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 2003 Renault Scenics registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score