2018 Renault Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Renault Scenic first registered in 2018 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 686 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2018 Renault Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2018 Renault Scenic petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes12% 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 electrics10% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension9% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2018 Renault Scenic petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- 1.2 TCe / DIG-T turbo petrol
Oil burning (1.2 TCe / DIG-T petrol)
The 1.2 turbo petrol shared by Renault and Nissan (TCe or DIG-T) can burn oil, and some owners have needed a replacement engine. Running low on oil makes it worse.
At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick, look for blue smoke from the exhaust, and ask how often it needs topping up. It should be checked every 1,000–2,000 miles.
Source: Auto Express: used Renault Kadjar (2015 on) review, Car Mechanics: buying and owning the Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013-2021)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Renault Scenic petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- How often does it need oil between services, and has there been any engine work?
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2019 | 871 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 3,263 | Tyres 33% |
| 2016 | 3,197 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 9,084 | Brakes 31% |
| 2014 | 9,410 | Suspension 36% |
| 2013 | 8,662 | Suspension 40% |
| 2012 | 7,899 | Suspension 45% |
| 2011 | 12,293 | Suspension 47% |
| 2010 | 17,993 | Suspension 48% |
| 2009 | 5,758 | Suspension 46% |
| 2008 | 7,869 | Suspension 49% |
| 2007 | 9,176 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 6,328 | Brakes 52% |
| 2005 | 2,797 | Lights and electrics 52% |
| 2004 | 1,957 | Lights and electrics 52% |
| 2003 | 1,499 | Brakes 51% |
| 2002 | 1,140 | Brakes 51% |
| 2001 | 643 | Brakes 46% |
| 2000 | 204 | Brakes 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 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score