2013 Renault Scenic: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Renault Scenic?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Renault Scenic than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Renault Scenic

  24.1% All 2013 cars

  13.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1% of all 2013 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 springs2.1× usual
  Renault Scenic

  17.9% All 2013 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.6%, against 4% of all 2013 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.4× usual
  Renault Scenic

  9.6% All 2013 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.8% of all 2013 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usual
  Renault Scenic

  9.1% All 2013 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Renault Scenic

  10.1% All 2013 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.4% of all 2013 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.

Common 2013 Renault Scenic MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Renault Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  38% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Driveshafts and joints
  9% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2013 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 2013 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 1.7× as often on the 2013 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2013 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2013 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?