2015 Renault Scenic diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Renault Scenic diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Renault Scenic diesel than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Renault Scenic

  21.2% All 2015 cars

  12.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.9% of all 2015 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints7.4× usual
  Renault Scenic

  8.1% All 2015 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.4% of all 2015 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 ends3× usual
  Renault Scenic

  8.8% All 2015 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.4% of all 2015 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.

• Brake lights3.6× usual
  Renault Scenic

  7.2% All 2015 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.6% of all 2015 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.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  8.8% All 2015 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.6% of all 2015 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.

Common 2015 Renault Scenic diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Renault Scenic diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  31% 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
  31% 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.

• Suspension
  30% 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
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  3% 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 2015 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 1.7× as often on the 2015 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 2015 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2015 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?