Used car guide

2012 Renault Scenic: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Renault Scenics, from 2,439 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,439MOT tests in 2025
57%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
6,800typical miles a year
3.8×the usual rate for anti-roll bar link joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Renault Scenics than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3.8× usual
    Renault Scenic
    12% All 2012 cars
    3.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.2% of all 2012 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.

  • Track rod ends2.7× usual
    Renault Scenic
    13.4% All 2012 cars
    4.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.4% of all 2012 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.

  • Coil springs1.9× usual
    Renault Scenic
    17.9% All 2012 cars
    9.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 4% of all 2012 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.

  • Individual direction indicators2.8× usual
    Renault Scenic
    8.4% All 2012 cars
    3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Ball joint1.9× usual
    Renault Scenic
    10.5% All 2012 cars
    5.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 3% of all 2012 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.

Better than most

Engine oil leaks: 2.5% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars. Exhaust system: 1.9% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.

By area

The share of 2012 Renault Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    49% 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.

  • Brakes
    38% 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
    36% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    35% 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 mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    5% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Looking at a Renault Scenic?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

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

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Renault Scenics registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score