Used car guide

2013 Renault Scenic: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Renault Scenics, from 2,747 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,747MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
6,900typical miles a year
1.7×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Renault Scenics than on all cars registered in 2013.

  • Brake discs1.7× usual
    Renault Scenic
    24.1% All 2013 cars
    13.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1% of all 2013 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.

  • Coil springs2.1× usual
    Renault Scenic
    17.9% All 2013 cars
    8.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 12.6%, against 4% of all 2013 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.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints4.4× usual
    Renault Scenic
    9.6% All 2013 cars
    2.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.8% of all 2013 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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usual
    Renault Scenic
    9.1% All 2013 cars
    3.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.7% of all 2013 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.

  • Track rod ends2.1× usual
    Renault Scenic
    10.1% All 2013 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.4% of all 2013 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.

Better than most

Engine oil leaks: 1.6% here, against 5.8% of all 2013 cars. Exhaust system: 0.8% here, against 4.6% of all 2013 cars.

By area

The share of 2013 Renault Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    44% 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
    33% 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
    32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    9% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% 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?

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%
20122,439Suspension 49%
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 2013 Renault Scenics registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score