2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.7× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  15% All 2011 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 2% of all 2011 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.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  24.3% All 2011 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.2% of all 2011 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.

• Brake lights3.5× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  13.8% All 2011 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.5%, against 3.3% of all 2011 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.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  15.4% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.1% of all 2011 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.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  12.5% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 2.4% of all 2011 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 2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  41% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  15% 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
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2011 Renault Grand Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?