Renault Scenic common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Renault 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 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

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 4.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  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.

• Brake discs

  up to 2.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

  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.

• Steering rack inner joints

  up to 10× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 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.

• Track rod ends

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 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.

• Ball joint

  up to 2.4× 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 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

Diesel

• Brake discs

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.

  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 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2016.

  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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints

  up to 8.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  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 ends

  up to 3.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

  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 2.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.

  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.

• Steering rack inner joints

  up to 9.9× usual

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

  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.

Renault Scenic MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2019 Renault Scenic did best (84% passed first time, 1 point below all 2019 cars) and the 2014 did worst (58%, 12 points below all 2014 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 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 Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.9× as often on the Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?