2016 Renault Scenic: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Renault Scenics, from 1,054 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Renault Scenics than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Anti-roll bar link joints8.3× usualRenault Scenic8.3% All 2016 cars1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Brake lights4.4× usualRenault Scenic8% All 2016 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 1.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Individual direction indicators10.3× usualRenault Scenic6.2% All 2016 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Ball joint2.7× usualRenault Scenic7.5% All 2016 cars2.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Track rod ends2.4× usualRenault Scenic7.3% All 2016 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
By area
The share of 2016 Renault Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Suspension29% 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.
- Brakes28% 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 electrics25% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 580 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 1,098 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 3,017 | Suspension 35% |
| 2014 | 3,041 | Suspension 41% |
| 2013 | 2,747 | Suspension 44% |
| 2012 | 2,439 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 3,601 | Suspension 49% |
| 2010 | 5,140 | Suspension 50% |
| 2009 | 1,585 | Suspension 48% |
| 2008 | 1,960 | Lights and electrics 51% |
| 2007 | 2,116 | Suspension 53% |
| 2006 | 1,437 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 584 | Suspension 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Renault Scenics registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score