2009 Renault Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Steering rack inner joints5× usual
  Renault Scenic

  10.9% All 2009 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sidelights1.8× usual
  Renault Scenic

  11.9% All 2009 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 6% of all 2009 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.

• Headlights1.7× usual
  Renault Scenic

  11.9% All 2009 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  9.7% All 2009 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.3% of all 2009 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.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Renault Scenic

  9.5% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, 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.

Common 2009 Renault Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  41% 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
  41% 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
  39% 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
  33% 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.

• Steering
  12% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  10% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Renault 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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2009 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?