Renault Grand Scenic common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Renault Grand Scenic?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Oil burning (1.2 TCe / DIG-T petrol)

  Cars registered 2012–2018 · 1.2 TCe / DIG-T turbo petrol

  The 1.2 turbo petrol shared by Renault and Nissan (TCe or DIG-T) can burn oil, and some owners have needed a replacement engine. Running low on oil makes it worse.

  At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick, look for blue smoke from the exhaust, and ask how often it needs topping up. It should be checked every 1,000–2,000 miles.

  Source: Auto Express: used Renault Kadjar (2015 on) review, Car Mechanics: buying and owning the Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013-2021)

Common Renault Grand Scenic MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

• Track rod ends

  up to 2.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

  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.

• Steering rack inner joints

  up to 9.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

  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.

• Ball joint

  up to 2.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011.

  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.

• Headlights

  up to 6.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2019.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Brake lights

  up to 6.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2019.

  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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 3.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

  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.

Diesel

• Brake discs

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

  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.

• Ball joint

  up to 3.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

  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.

• Brake lights

  up to 6.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2018.

  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.

• Track rod ends

  up to 4.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  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 springs

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  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.

• Headlights

  up to 7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Renault Grand Scenic MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2006 Renault Grand Scenic did best (49% passed first time, 7 points below all 2006 cars) and the 2013 did worst (52%, 15 points below all 2013 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Renault Grand Scenic

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. How often does it need oil between services, and has there been any engine work?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the Renault Grand Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the Renault Grand Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the Renault Grand Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?