Used car guide

2002 Renault Scenic diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Renault Scenic first registered in 2002 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 158 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 158 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

158MOTs of 2002 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
57%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 58%)
5,400typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for brake discs

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Renault Scenic diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Renault Scenic diesel than on all cars registered in 2002.

  • Brake discs2.1× usual
    Renault Scenic
    27.2% All 2002 cars
    12.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.9% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Renault Scenic diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Renault Scenic diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    51% 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
    29% 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 leaks
    28% 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 mirrors
    18% 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 2002 Renault 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Renault Scenic?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Renault Scenic compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2019871Tyres 29%
20181,718Tyres 30%
20173,263Tyres 33%
20163,197Tyres 30%
20159,084Brakes 31%
20149,410Suspension 36%
20138,662Suspension 40%
20127,899Suspension 45%
201112,293Suspension 47%
201017,993Suspension 48%
20095,758Suspension 46%
20087,869Suspension 49%
20079,176Suspension 52%
20066,328Brakes 52%
20052,797Lights and electrics 52%
20041,957Lights and electrics 52%
20031,499Brakes 51%
2001643Brakes 46%
2000204Brakes 46%

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 Scenic cars first registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score