2019 Renault Grand Scenic: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Renault Grand Scenic?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Renault Grand Scenic than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Headlights7× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  7% All 2019 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 0.9% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

• Link ball joint covers49× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  4.9% All 2019 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.1% of all 2019 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.

• Brake lights8× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  4.8% All 2019 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 0.5% of all 2019 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.6× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  5.8% All 2019 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.3% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2019 Renault Grand Scenic MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Renault Grand Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  23% 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
  18% 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
  17% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  6% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  3% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Renault Grand Scenic

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the 2019 Renault Grand Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 49× as often on the 2019 Renault Grand Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 8× as often on the 2019 Renault Grand Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?