2001 Renault Megane Scenic diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Renault Megane Scenic first registered in 2001 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 172 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 172 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Renault Megane Scenic diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Renault Megane Scenic diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.
- Brake discs3.1× usualRenault Megane Scenic37.2% All 2001 cars12.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt 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.
- Engine oil leaks1.9× usualRenault Megane Scenic30.8% All 2001 cars15.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
Common 2001 Renault Megane Scenic diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2001 Renault Megane Scenic diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes58% 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.
- Suspension56% 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 electrics46% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres37% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks34% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors16% 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 2001 Renault Megane Scenic diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2001 Renault Megane Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 Renault Megane Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Renault Megane Scenic?
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Other years
Every year of the Renault Megane Scenic compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 120 | Tyres 40% |
| 2017 | 1,309 | Tyres 34% |
| 2016 | 971 | Tyres 36% |
| 2007 | 134 | Suspension 60% |
| 2003 | 2,112 | Brakes 50% |
| 2002 | 2,245 | Brakes 51% |
| 2000 | 883 | Brakes 44% |
| 1999 | 146 | Suspension 40% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Renault Megane Scenic cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score