2009 Renault Scenic diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Renault Scenic diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Renault Scenic diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Renault Scenic

  20.9% All 2009 cars

  11.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.6%, against 4.2% of all 2009 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.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Renault Scenic

  23.6% All 2009 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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 joint2.3× usual
  Renault Scenic

  14.6% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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 ends2.6× usual
  Renault Scenic

  12.7% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Renault Scenic

  13.4% All 2009 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 3.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2009 Renault Scenic diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Renault Scenic diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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
  45% 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
  44% 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
  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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  8% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2009 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?