2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Steering rack inner joints6.3× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  24.1% All 2006 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  25.6% All 2006 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.1% of all 2006 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.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  16.4% All 2006 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  24.4% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.5% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Individual direction indicators2.6× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  9.7% All 2006 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.7% of all 2006 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 2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  53% 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.

• Suspension
  51% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  39% 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.

• Steering
  28% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the 2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2006 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?