2012 Renault Scenic: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Renault Scenic?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Renault Scenic than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Track rod ends3.4× usual
  Renault Scenic

  14.5% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2.2% of all 2012 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4× usual
  Renault Scenic

  12% All 2012 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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 discs1.6× usual
  Renault Scenic

  21.9% All 2012 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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 springs1.9× usual
  Renault Scenic

  15.7% All 2012 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 3.8% of all 2012 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.

• Individual direction indicators2.7× usual
  Renault Scenic

  7.8% All 2012 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Renault Scenic MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Renault Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  36% 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
  35% 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
  31% 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 mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  5% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Known faults on the 2012 Renault Scenic

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

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

  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)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2012 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2012 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2012 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?