2013 Renault Grand Scenic diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Coil springs2.3× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  17.6% All 2013 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.4%, against 3.7% 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 joints5.8× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  11.1% All 2013 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.7% 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.

• Brake lights3.7× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  12.2% All 2013 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.8%, against 2.7% of all 2013 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.

• Individual direction indicators4.6× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  7.9% All 2013 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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.

• Track rod ends2.4× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  10.5% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.2% 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 Grand Scenic diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Renault Grand Scenic diesel 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.

• Tyres
  40% 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
  36% 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
  36% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  5% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2013 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2013 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2013 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?