At a Glance
The Renault Scenic has 19 identified common problems across 5 generations, with the Mk2 (2003-2009) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 1.7M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Renault Scenic common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Renault Scenic generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Renault Scenic Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk1
Top issue: Tie bar or rod worn or corroded
Mk2
Top issue: Front lamp not working
Mk3
Top issue: Reversing lamp not working
Mk4
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Mk5 E-Tech
Most Common Renault Scenic MOT Failures
Every reason Renault Scenic vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.14% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.87% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.69% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.24% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.38% |
| 6 | Track rod end worn | 5.26% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.22% |
| 8 | Driveshaft fault | 5.11% |
| 9 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.52% |
| 10 | Tyre condition | 4.20% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.47% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.41% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 3.35% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.34% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.76% |
| 16 | Position lamp not working | 2.73% |
| 17 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.78% |
| 18 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.49% |
| 19 | Headlamp fault | 1.39% |
| 20 | Exhaust system fault | 1.26% |
| 21 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.22% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.88% |
| 23 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.79% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 0.71% |
| 25 | ABS fault | 0.65% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.58% |
| 27 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.58% |
| 28 | Airbag warning light on | 0.54% |
| 29 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.52% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.52% |
| 31 | Steering rack fault | 0.50% |
| 32 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.49% |
| 33 | Fog lamp not working | 0.49% |
| 34 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.46% |
| 35 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.46% |
| 36 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.45% |
| 37 | Steering free play excessive | 0.37% |
| 38 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.36% |
| 39 | Rear suspension fault | 0.31% |
| 40 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.29% |
| 41 | Drag link end worn | 0.25% |
| 42 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.24% |
| 43 | Horn not working | 0.20% |
| 44 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.19% |
| 45 | Steering arm worn | 0.19% |
| 46 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 47 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.18% |
| 48 | Front suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 49 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.14% |
| 50 | Brake pedal fault | 0.14% |
| 51 | Parking brake condition | 0.14% |
| 52 | Electrical switch fault | 0.13% |
| 53 | Brake caliper fault | 0.13% |
| 54 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 55 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.10% |
| 56 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 57 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 58 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.07% |
| 60 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 61 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 62 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 63 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 64 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 65 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 66 | Brake fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 67 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 68 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 69 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 70 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 72 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 75 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 76 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 78 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 79 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 82 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 86 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 88 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 89 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 90 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 91 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 93 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 95 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 96 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Driver seat fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 99 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 100 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 105 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 107 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 111 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 115 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 117 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 118 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 121 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 125 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 126 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 129 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 132 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 135 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 137 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 140 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 147 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 156 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 158 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 165 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 169 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 172 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 179 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 181 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 182 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 183 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 186 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 188 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 188 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Renault Scenic MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Renault Scenic, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Renault Scenic problems?
Based on analysis of 1.7M Renault Scenic MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 19 identified common problems across 5 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Front lamp not working". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Renault Scenic generation has the most problems?
The Renault Scenic Mk2 (2003-2009) (2003–2009) has the highest number of identified common problems (18). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Renault Scenic?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Renault Scenic owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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