Renault Scenic problems, reliability and years to avoid
If you are considering buying a used Renault Scenic, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 2 known faults for this model, 1 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Is the Renault Scenic reliable?
The Renault Scenic has 2 known faults in our database, 1 of them rated high severity. The most serious are fuel system (delphi high-pressure fuel pump breaks down internally) and brakes (electronic handbrake failure: the motor and cable unit). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.
Which Renault Scenic years should you avoid?
No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.
Years and engines with a serious known fault
2001 to 2010, 1.5 dCi (K9K - Delphi systems): delphi high-pressure fuel pump breaks down internally
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
Generation 1 of 12 known faults · 25 owner reports · 14 good notes
Renault Scenic 2001-2010 Models (2001 to 2010) problems
Fuel SystemHigh severity📝 Editorial
Delphi high-pressure fuel pump breaks down internally, sending metal swarf throughout the entire fuel system
Rough guide
£1500-3000
Typical symptoms
flashing glow plug or engine management light
engine misfires or stalls
non-start
metallic glitter in the fuel filter
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 dCi (K9K - Delphi systems)
Typical mileage:
60000-120000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
BrakesMedium severity📝 Editorial
Electronic handbrake failure: the motor and cable unit, its wiring or the control module fails, so the brake sticks on, will not apply or throws a warning. Most reports are on the Scenic II and III; some Megane versions were also fitted with an electronic handbrake and are included for that reason. The motor and cable are often sold only as one unit, and owners have paid about 600 pounds.
Rough guide
£600
Typical symptoms
'Check Handbrake' warning message
handbrake refuses to release or will not apply
MOT failure on the handbrake
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Cars fitted with the electronic handbrake (lever-handbrake versions are not affected)
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
3 more owner reports back this up
July 2018An April 2016 Renault Grand Scenic had repeated problems with its electromechanical parking brake, including multiple caliper, cable, computer, and electrical fault replacements.
February 2015The electric parking brake failed on a 2007 Scenic, costing £600 to repair.
August 2012A Scenic fitted with an electronic parking brake failed its MoT because the Bowden cables from the motors to the calipers failed.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
What owners report on the 2001-2010 Models
25 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Engine · August 2019The timing chain on a 2013 Renault Grand Scenic failed at 56,000 miles, incurring a £1,600 replacement cost.
Gearbox and clutch · March 2019A Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi experienced issues with the clutch and electromechanical parking brake, preventing gear engagement and brake disengagement on inclines.
Electrics · January 2019A 2006 Renault Scenic at 64,500 miles incurred significant running costs, including repairs for the handbrake, brake light switch, clutch, window switch, and rear brake components.
Gearbox and clutch · December 2018The automatic transmission on a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic failed at 17,750 miles, possibly due to driver misuse.
Gearbox and clutch · August 2018A 2012 Grand Scenic at 43,000 miles displayed a 'check auto gearbox' message, would not start, and had the gearbox stuck in Park.
Engine · April 2018The timing belt on a 2009 Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi failed at 85,000 miles, despite being replaced at 51,000 miles three years prior.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2018The EDC gearbox on a 2015 Scenic 1.5 dCi wore out at 64,000 miles, with a dealer quoting £3,276 for full replacement.
Engine · November 2016A 2004 Renault Scenic 1.9 dCi displayed a “check fuel injection” warning, which was eventually resolved by replacing four glow-plugs.
Engine · April 2016The timing belt of a 2011 Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi failed at 36,000 miles, with Renault contributing 60% of the £2,000 repair cost.
Electrics · June 2015Both windscreen wiper motors on a 2009 Scenic failed simultaneously, affecting visibility during adverse weather.
Electrics · May 2015The electric driver's window failed on a 2006 Scenic, with a dealer offering a repair for £125 instead of the usual £800.
Engine · April 2015The timing belt on a 2009 Grand Scenic 1.5 dCi failed at 48,500 miles and five years five months old, despite a longer recommended replacement interval.
Fuel system · March 2015The misfuel prevention spring in the fuel filler of a 42,000-mile 2011 Renault Scenic failed, causing an MoT failure, with the dealer demanding £240 for a full filler replacement.
Electrics · October 2014The odometer in the instrument cluster of a 2003 Scenic failed, with Renault hopefully contributing to the replacement cost.
Engine · October 2014A 2011 Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi experienced its engine management system cutting out four times in six months, with diagnostics showing no fault.
Electrics · September 2014The instrument cluster on a 2004 Scenic failed intermittently, sometimes displaying an incorrect mileage reading when it reactivated.
Gearbox and clutch · June 2014A 2012 Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi automatic experienced intermittent hesitation with its EDC gearbox, which cleared quickly and might be linked to a sticking electric parking brake.
Electrics · February 2014A digital dashboard on a Scenic failed, with Renault subsidising the replacement, leaving the owner with a bill of £150 to £200.
Electrics · November 2013The digital dash display on a 4-year-old Scenic with 30,000 miles failed, initially quoted at £700, reduced to £150 after a goodwill contribution.
Electrics · July 2013A dashboard display unit on a Scenic experienced a failure, requiring attention for the vehicle's instruments.
Engine · June 2013A 7-year-old Scenic 1.5 dCi experienced an engine failure on the motorway, with a rod through the block, possibly due to a sheared main bearing bolt.
Electrics · June 2013Dashboard failures increased, with a 2004 1.9 dCi experiencing clock resets before the entire dash went black, though the radio still functioned.
Electrics · May 2013A 'Check Injection' message on the dashboard may indicate the need for a new battery if it is four years old or more.
General · May 2012This model was ranked as the fourth least reliable 3 to 5-year-old family car in a 2012 analysis of warranty claims.
Electrics · February 2012Lighting fuses were inaccessible, requiring a garage to replace them at a cost of £45 for the job.
What owners like about the 2001-2010 Models
14 notes
The Scenic features a brilliantly designed and versatile interior, including numerous storage compartments and a robust two-level rear parcel shelf.
The interior is brilliantly planned and versatile, offering many cubbyholes and a strong, two-level rear parcel shelf.
The car is equipped with three three-point seatbelts in the rear, enhancing passenger safety.
The Renault Scenic offers a generously sized, square-shaped boot, providing excellent practicality for carrying luggage and goods.
The diesel engine variant of this model provides good fuel economy, making it an economical choice for daily driving.
The car's galvanised body is covered by a 12-year warranty, offering long-term protection against corrosion and rust.
Facelifted models feature plastic front wings that deform and resist damage from minor impacts.
The car achieved a very good 29-point four-star NCAP crash safety rating.
This model has a low death rate from accidents, recorded at 3 out of 9 points.
In a 2003 Which survey, this MPV was rated as one of the cheapest to run.
This model achieved a Five Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, demonstrating high levels of occupant protection.
This model had the fifth fewest warranty claims among European manufacturers on Warranty Direct policies.
If equipped with Carminat TomTom satnav, the digital speed display uses GPS, offering more accurate readings than the car's speed sensor in most conditions.
The car achieved a 5-Star NCAP Crash Safety score, with high percentages for adult and child protection, and safety assist.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 5 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Renault Scenic advert and we check it in seconds.
Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 5 DVSA recalls for the Scenic, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.
🏛️ September 2025Cars built April 2024 to May 2025
Risk of parking brake actuator failing
For certain vehicles a concern involving the electric traction reducer parking brake mechanism actuator or gearbox engagement actuator within the transmission may result in the parking brake mechanism actuator no longer correctly positioning the locking pawl in the "P lock".
Put right by: Replacement of the electric traction reducer parking brake mechanism actuator or gearbox Engagement Actuator.
DVSA R/2025/37740 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2019Cars built September 2018 to June 2019
NOx SENSOR WAS NOT CORRECTLY TIGHTENED DURING MANUFACTURE
NOx sensor was not correctly tightened during manufacture on the production line
Put right by: Tighten the NOx sensor to 32 Nm
DVSA R/2019/370116 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2017Cars built September 2016 to November 2016
Side air curtain may not deploy
The curtain airbag (one or both side) may not deploy in the event of a side impact because the pyrotechnic mix ratio in the ignitor could be incorrect..
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the serial number of the curtain airbag. Replace airbag if required.
DVSA R/2017/172610 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2016
Rear bolts on front seat runner may not be torqued correctly
The bolts that hold the front seats to the floor may not be correctly tightened. This may cause the seat to become insecure and control of the vehicle to be compromised. Prior to failure there will be increased movement of the seat when getting in and out of the vehicle which should be noticeable to the driver.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary adjust the torque tightening of the rear bolts on the front seat runners.
DVSA R/2016/199217 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2016
Engine power and/or braking efficiency may be affected
On affected vehicles the drive to brake vacuum pump may fail. This may cause a loss of brake servo assistance and a hard brake pedal. It may also cause a reduction in engine power.
Put right by: Check the manufacture date of the vacuum pump and where necessary replace the pump.
DVSA R/2016/001527 vehicles affected in the UK
Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.
Renault Scenic cambelt, and service intervals
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Scenic. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
1.5 DCI, K9K
72,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first
The K9K schedule is 72,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Intervals vary by variant, with catalogue figures of 150,000 km / 6 years quoted for the Clio 4 with DPF, so the shorter 72,000 miles / 5 years is recorded. The water pump, tensioners and idler pulleys must be replaced simultaneously.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Renault Scenic buying questions
Which Renault Scenic years should I avoid?
No Renault Scenic year is a write-off, but the 2001-2010 Models (2001 to 2010) carries the most serious faults: fuel system. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Renault Scenic?
Ask the seller about the fuel system and brakes faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for flashing glow plug or engine management light and 'Check Handbrake' warning message. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against its known faults before you travel. Check a Renault Scenic advert →
Are there any recalls on the Renault Scenic?
The DVSA lists 5 safety recalls for the Renault Scenic issued between 2016 and 2025. The most recent, from September 2025, is "Risk of parking brake actuator failing". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.
What is the real MPG of a Renault Scenic?
Owners report 42.8 mpg on average across the Renault Scenic engines with data, about 81% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 944 owner submissions. Renault Scenic Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Renault Scenic owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a Renault Scenic goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.