Renault Scenic road test reports and car reviews

Renault Scenic 1.9 DCi 2009

I won’t buy a Renault Scenic again I have a 1.9DCI, the diesel gives lots of problems. Also the parts are very expensive especially in a country like South Africa. It is cheaper to maintain a Toyota or a Volkswagen, many mechanics are familiar with them, but many mechanics are scared to work on a Renault. And not even Renault are always familiar with the faults on their own cars.

Responses to this review

Have to agree. Bought Renault scenic for my wife, ideal for kids to school etc., but out of warranty, and now everything starts caving. Parts not available, and after several complaints to Renault and advise leaving us with top gasket and cylinder head problems due bad service from dealers. When specific parts are needed, they try to sell you parts not needed, and even emergency spares not available. Promises and no delivery. Found it cheaper to maintain my Volvo S40 t4. Wont buy Renault again - Peter Steyn from South Africa

Renault Scenic privilage 2004

I bought this car from new. In the last year I have had nothing but electrical problems. I will never buy a Renault care ever again and I strongly advise all people to take heed. Last summer BOTH of my front electric windows failed and I had to replace their motors. One went then a month later the other . 720 pounds. then we had a little wire in the dash which operated the Air Conditioning and that caused smoking and burnt out. 526 pounds. Now my dashboard has completely died and I got conned into the 100 pound inherent problem that Watchdog found and Renault are not admitting to. Renault UK was not helpful at all. DONT BUY RENAULTS.

Renault Scenic 1998

I have had my scenic 1.6 for 8 years and am close to covering 154000 miles. It had done 44000 when I got it. I have found the car to be reliable, though I service it myself. I have had to change the cylinder head gasket twice in that time but I consider that to be expected for such mileage! I must agree that Renault garages vary immensely when it comes to helpful knowledge, but in defense of the car I find it the most comfortable car I have ever driven! I too have had to fix things like coils,rear bearings, brakes front and rear, cat three times, etc. But the strangest thing...the electrics have always worked fine!! O-Oh, maybe I shouldn’t have said that. In all honesty I would buy another one, though I have heard too many disturbing reports about the new electrical problems. Regards to all, and happy driving.

Renault Scenic 2004

I am sat here writing this because the battery on my renault has failed again... This is the fifth time in two weeks. I won’t bother with listing the other problems I’ve had with it. I have always driven a renault but this is the worst car I have ever had the misfortune to own and along with almost everyone else on this site will never go near one again. Damned shame because they are great family cars in so many other ways.

Renault Scenic 2004

I wouldn’t recommend anyone to buy a Renault. Everyone I know with a Scenic has electrical problems amongst a long list of other items! My car has been stalling regularly. The garage couldn’t find what was causing it, having replaced the battery and given it a service. The car started stalling again a day after leaving the garage and is now on my drive and won’t start. The electric roof hasn’t worked for 4 years, one of the rear seats won’t go down. I hate it and can’t wait to get another non-french car.

Responses to this review

Hiya, I had the same problem and took it to an electrician that I use, he told me it wasn’t electrical but a rubber pipe on the engine managment system, which he changed and it runs great now. This pipe is situated under the top right hand side of the engine compartment - John from Lancashire

Renault Scenic 1.9 diesel 1998

This is a 160,000 mile car bought by my stepson for 890 quid and I have had the dubious pleasure of trying to fix the heater, which does not work. I’ve fitted a new thermostat with no luck. I’ve given it a flush through with no Luck. I’ve checked for air locks with no luck. I guess it’s the matrix, and that will be a pig of a job. Working on this car is a nightmare, you can’t get to anything and you just feel that whatever you do will probably just cause a mirriad of other problems. Buy a Toyota or if thats too boring for you buy a classic car that you can fix yourself!

Renault Scenic 2007

I have bought a Renault Scenic in January 2008 from a local garage in Northern Ireland. My first problem came in September 2008 and I have had problems ever since. I am annoyed and do not know who to turn to. Can you assist me and tell me were I can report to with my complaint. My email is ruth15455@hotmail.co.uk

Renault Scenic Fidji 1.9dci 2002

Excellent small (?) car with plenty of storage lockers and loads of space (with or without the rear seats in place. Very economical whether solo (50mpg average) or towing our 1000kg caravan around Italy, France and Spain (around 30mpg). The high profile of the Scenic allows excellent views of the surrounding countryside as well as helping the aero-dynamics of car and caravan. Take care to remember you’ve got a caravan behind you when you’re breezing along. Apart from that "dodgy supermarket diesel" causing a £200 breakdown on the M25 and an annoying seatbelt sensor wire we have been pleased with its reliability. Couple of niggles. The steel spare wheel became loose several times!!! (studs supplied are for alloy wheels and steel wheels have a different profile). The ride we’d describe as too firm for Norfolk’s poorly maintained pot holes.

Renault Scenic 1.5 DCi 2004

Bought the car second-hand 2 years ago. I can’t fault it. Comfortable, spacious and very economical (averages around 56 mpg). Whilst I would much prefer to buy a British car, sadly this is no longer possible. Of all the imported cars I would certainly buy another Scenic. Top marks.

Renault Scenic 2004

RENAULT SCENIC II 1.6 authentic comf 5 door 2004 faulty? Check emmisions fault plus motor symbol and odometer reading extra kilometers now instrument panel is dead and car is cutting out when idling. This is the worst car I have purchased in my life and will never ever buy a French car again and will be certainly telling everyone I know about the problems I’ve had.

Responses to this review

I agree entirely. I have a 54 Scenic 1.6 VVT - pile of c**p that is always going wrong with electrical faults. Wish I bought a C-Max! - Nick from Devon

I totally agree with you guys. I bought my 54-plate 1.6 Scenic Rush VVT in February 09. It was trouble free until October 09 then required: a new battery, new coils and now....apparently the motorized throttle Pot is going to cost me 350 pounds to replace as the without this the pile of rubbish will keep cutting out!! I wish I'd kept my Focus! - John Love from Lanarkshire

I’ve got a 2005 model, which I’ve had for 5 months and already I’ve had to replace the dashboard electrics due to it going dead with only 14k on the clock. Now the check emmisions warning has come on. What the hell’s this for? Told by Renault they would do a diagonostic check for £20 and then tell me how much it will cost to repair; they already know the fault!! I had a ford galaxy for 7 years and never had a problem. This is the first and last Renault!- Craig from Staffordshire

Renault Scenic 1.9dci 2004

I feel very disappointed in my Scenic 1.9dci. I have had this vehcle from new. It has had a few problems with the electrics but the car has been quite reliable up until 3 months ago when I had a major rattle in the engine. I then had to pay £82 for the privelege for the dealer to tell me that the bearings on the crankshaft are going and with 62,000 miles on the clock and being only four and a half years old, I feel this is a major fault on the engine and have heard of other vehicles having this same problem. A big thumbs down for Renault reliability!!!!!!!!!! Both dealer and Renault are not interested in helping me. A car that doesn’t last as long as my kettle!!

Responses to this review

I’m thinking I may have the same issue with my car, a 06 model 70k. Does it make a thumping noise while turning or bearing right? what happens when they do go? - Courtney from Wiltshire

Renault Scenic Scenic Fidji 1.6 2002

Absolutely hate my Scenic; it’s just a big money box. Drove a Mazda 323 for 13 years with no problems whatsoever except the usual servicing/tyre replacement etc... Previous to that, I had a Honda, also a great car. Then I changed last October to this piece of crap as I needed more room for kids etc... Love the interior space but in the few months I have owned it, I have had to replace all the coils, water pump, cam belt and possibly now the head gasket as it is in again for repair after breaking down 5 times... Once on the motorway. When it is driveable again, I will be putting it up for sale and going back to a more reliable make of car.

Responses to this review

I totally agree with your report; we too had a Scenic and I got so fed up with the unscheduled visits to the Renault dealer that we traded it in for a Toyota Verso. No regrets on that deal! Toyota has been 100% reliable. I too will never, ever buy another Renault (or a French car for that matter!) - Murray King from Wiltshire

Renault Scenic 1.4 Dynamique 2004

The worst car I have ever owned, and I once owned a Datsun Cherry. My car has about 60,000 miles on and already a rear window motor has gone (400 Euro’s), the other one is about to go (another 400 Euro’s), a rear wheel bearing has gone (200 Euro’s), the sunroof no longer works (probably the motor, 400 Euro’s) and the driver door check strap has gone (400 Euro’s). I am trying to ignore the noise from the front wheel or suspension when I go over a bump as I’m sure it will cost big. I also own a 9 year old Saab 9-3 which has never given any trouble. It was obviously built to last. Renault shouldn’t be allowed to make and sell cars and I will strongly advise anyone I know not to go near any Renault model.

Responses to this review

Did you find out what was causing the noise? Mine is also making a noise, especially when going over bumps. Have had it in at 3 garages, and nobody can find the problem - Sharon Garside from England

Renault Scenic 1.5 DCI Expression. 2004

Nothing but problems with this car as soon as the 12 mnth dealers warranty ran out (Renault dealer). Had it just over 18 mnths, had a new EGR valve (diagnosed by renault), new mass airflow sensor, another new sensor (cant remeber what and still hasn’t solved the problem (engine under load, injection light and no power) My local garage sick of seeing me (every 2 weeks) then to top it off failure of slave cylinder in clutch which results in a complete gearbox disassembly just to get to and repair, boot catch refuses to release or lock depending on its mood. Needless to say wont touch French cars with a barge pole now, clutch repaired (and off to part ex it for summat more reliable). Steer well clear if you can. On the flip side, I had a good garage who didn’t rip me off unlike Renault who charged me £85 to diagnose the issue grrr.

Renault Scenic 1.6 Auto Dynamique (Petrol) 2005

From the very first day of owning this vehicle we have experienced nothing but problems. 4 x Breakdowns / Injection coils x 4 have all failed individually and been replaced approx £150 each time via Renault. Stalling problems - camshaft sensors failed x 2 types and been replaced. Very noisy clacking on starting due to camshaft dephaser - needs replacing (approx £700). Auto Gearbox failure - New gearbox required (Renaults advise) at approx. £3,000 / we opted for a repair to part of the gearbox by a specialist at £1,000. We have finally given up on this car following many heated conversations with Renault, but do they really care!?!? At face value these cars appear to be good value, but on hindsight if we had spent more money initially on buying a more premium quality car e.g. Toyota / Honda, we would be much better off in the pocket and a great deal happier. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR !!!

Renault Scenic 1.9dti sport 1999

This is the worst car we have had, and I have had it a year. It was in garage for 7 months of that; head gasket went, it came back and wouldn’t start; gasket went again, still no good; had new fuel pump, crankshaft, speed sensor, injector fuel filter, set plugs x 3, alternator, battery, sunroof leaked. In the end we traded it in as we couldn’t trust it. I lost a lot of money we didn’t have in just 13 months.

Renault Scenic Grand Dymanique 2004

Giving a star rating of 1 for this car is being very generous. We have had a ridiculous amount of problems with this it ending in it needing a new engine and so I am at last getting rid! We have a number of friends who also have a Grand Scenic and all but one have also had problems. When it is working it is great but this is sadly very rare! I will NEVER buy another Renault. Bought from Arnold Clarke in Warrington, never again!!!

Renault Scenic 2000T 2005

Car has a lot going for it, lovely car to drive, roomy, comfy, plenty of power even in sixth gear and controls are well placed and easy to operate (my wife loves driving it). Even though it is a big car it is still easy to park. The down side is the high petrol consumption, only 20 mpg in town and 42 to 45 for motorway driving when you can stay in sixth gear. It really is a car for long distance driving, although it is great for the big supermarket shopping trip!! The big shock was when I came to replace a tyre; they are 205/55R17V. Choice is limited to about three manufacturers and they are all the top end of the market. The cheapest I could find was £120 each tyre and that is a Dunlop Fastresponse. Looking at reviews on other websites, until recently, Continental were the only suppliers of this size of tyre and of course, loaded the cost of their tyres. As usual Renault have little interest in after sale support - why? They make some super cars why spoil it by poor support? I shall buy a Japanese car next time, friends tell me they get superb support and no nasty surprises. PS When I read the reviews on the Renault Scenic not one mentioned the tyre problem, hence the reason for my review.

Renault Scenic 2005

I have had my Renault Scenic for three months and in that time it has never started first time, it’s terrible. I have taken it to two garages and they say it has no problems. It’s now with the company I bought it from they said its OK too, we told them to keep it till it goes wrong so they can fix it. Gone off it a bit because of this can’t afford to change it, not sure what to do, the whole thing is very stressful and I feel like ramming it up a wall.

Responses to this review

Try using your spare key instead...might work? - Denny Jones from Northern Ireland

I have a 2005 dcI Scenic and Im having the same problem with it not starting first time I’ve only had the car 5 days and its done it from day 1! Does anybody know a possible cause for this? Also, my preheating/ignition warning light has never come on - Amanda Gorton from Cheshire

Renault Scenic Expression dci80 2004

Well... Don’t believe all that Renault and their dealers say as they fib (to put it mildly). I bought my Scenic last October to save some money on fuel... It’s averaged around 55 mpg which I’m delighted with... my BIG problem came when I pulled out of my supermarket car park and lots of alarm bells and flashing lights told me I had a parking brake problem (now is this a case of Renault overcoming a problem that never existed or what!!!... an automatic hand brake)... I took it to my main dealer who told me the motor unit was sealed (first fib) and it needed replacing at a cost of £370 for the unit (plus VAT) plus fitting (another £200 quid)... I asked my dealer in Plymouth if I could get a refurbished one or one from a breaker... The answer was no as it needed to be programmed to my car and it was a one-off system that couldn’t be reprogrammed (second fib). I wasn’t happy with that so I called Renault... they said the same (third fib)... I tried the dealer in Saltash... same answer (fourth fib). I then by chance ended up at a Renault specialist in Exmouth (Carlton Garage... excellent guys). I asked them if I could use a part from a breaker... they said no problem; they’ve done a few... I got one for £40 and they reprogrammed and fitted it for £80... Problem solved... apart from that the cars excellent, very reliable, comfortable and cheap to run.

Responses to this review

My hand brake got stuck in the on position so I pulled the release rope. Renault then told me it was the motor and it had packed in. The new hand brake system required was £750 from Renault so I got a local garage to fit a new one for £300 less - Gutted Very from Leicestershire

Renault Scenic 1600 petrol 2002

I will never even drive one again or think of buying one again, this was the worst car ever with ongoing faults that Renault cant even sort. I bought the car with low miles and it needed a cat which Renault say should last at least 5 years but won’t except any of it, it needed a clutch, the dash stopped working, Renault couldn’t fix that. You can’t change the headlight bulbs, Renault have to do it coz you need to remove front panel seats which become very loose. The key packs up the stereo controls. The paint comes off, the dash boot is always loose, ignition coils go every winter and Renault still says there is no problem. They have had the most recalls of any, these cars are terrible- all this happened within 6 months and Renault will not help you or accept any liability. Mine was 2 years old and they classed it as usual wear. Also they loose alot of money-you can actually get an new shape 53 reg for less than an old shape 02 so that says it all. Forgot to mention the stupid handbrake that only works when it wants to and does not understand hills. Please don’t bother buying one, I’ve now got a CRV, same sort of money and twice the car. I would stay away from all Renault vehicles until they decide that all there fancy electrics just don’t work.

Renault Scenic 1.6 RT 2008

Hi I just bought my blue Renault Scenic 1.6 RT last week. I was just about to tax my car today from my post office. The post office said that the car is still under a disabled class and has to be changed over to private class. Its a 1997 model. Very nice car to drive well untill I get it changed over to private class as the post office said that when they change it over I can taxed it from the DVLA office in glasgow.

Renault Scenic Expression 2005

The Grand Scenic is a lovely sized car , with 3 good separate seats in the rear (all separately removable). The rear most 2 fold flat seats are for children only. Good front seats & plenty of under seat & floor storage bins. Door pockets (front) have blocked access when doors are shut... very poor. Overall, for car size, the Grand Scenic is really spacious, cannot find any better elsewhere for the price. I have the 1.9 litre 120DCi Engine, non particulate filter version. Over 50 mpg & a low CO2 thus about £140 tax. BUT HEY, there are faults & plenty of them... I have had 2 engine mounts snap & replaced & I drive relaxed, cruiser style. I have had the glow plugs fail & replaced, oil leaks, electronic faults with front & rear washers, headlamp bulbs fail (needing the car to go into garage as, cannot access headlamp without removal of front panels, big job and costing over 100 pounds !!!!!). Rear light letting in water, manufacture fault etc... Now just to help you out there. Look at getting your extended warranty with www.warrantydirect.co.uk as they are far the best, covering wear & tear , MOT failure parts, labour etc... look on-line for peace of mind & a good price. Using the Renault or AA or others are not so good. Please note the newer Scenic use the DCi130 engine and although better, they use the particulate filter which has to be replaced every 9,000 miles - this is a pain as you still have to come in for those services to engine later . Worth looking into. WELL THAT’S ALL FOLKS!!

Renault Scenic 2005

Very comfortable, good on fuel; an excellent car. Always said I would have another Renault Scenic after owning one for three years; great to drive and spacious.

Renault Scenic 2.0 Dynamique petrol 2001

Great car! I have an Auto Scenic 2.0 Dynamique petrol which is average of 30mpg. Great car have had 2 in 5 years but prefer the old shape. There is a drive shaft problem with the autos - it pulls to the right when I accelerate, anyone else have this issue? Lots of space for 3 kids and the dog! The auto gearbox can be a bit juddery when accelerating up hill, but great on flat. I have 2 sun roofs which work well and all over vision means I do not miss anyone on the road. Secret compartments in passenger seats great for the kids junk. I have driven through France last year with great ease. Seats are so comfortable that after 3 hours driving I did not ache when getting out like lower model cars. Excellent safety features with air bags in crucial sites, making me feel safe when travelling with the whole family in tow. Air con works efficiently and clears the screen in seconds on cold days. Mine has only done 53K so am waiting for the services to be expensive. One issue is when the coils went all four had to be replaced and not just a pair which happened in my old Y reg one. A good all round family car with enough storage and comfort and extras for any family whatever their ages. Might switch to a diesel for economics looking at other reports for this car.

Renault Scenic Dynamique 2.0 VVT 2006

Second Scenic, had a old shape automatic, which was suppose to be troublesome. Mine was great, the only thing that went was the auto gearbox sensor inside the car, which wasn’t expensive. I love my newer one, great drive, and spacious. It does have the usual FRENCH electrics niggles, but hey ho, every one of the 5 or so Renault’s I have had, also did. I find Renaults have a fit one day, and then behave for months after, got a mind of their own. I owned a lot of Ford Granada’s previously, and they were quite troublesome, engines, head gaskets, oil burners. Cars aren’t perfect, but I would have another Scenic tomorrow.

Renault Scenic 1.5 diesel 2004

I have a fault in the braking system. I have got about an inch of play in the pedal and then the brake bites making the car tilt forward. I have tried a neighbours scenic and the pedal goes down smoothly.

Renault Scenic Expression + 2003

My first MPV Renault. A lovely car to drive and lots of space. Unfortunately comes with lots of problems, I had to have the coils (all 4) replaced 3 times, I have spent £1000 on repairs in 3 months, cam belt, water pump, drive shaft, constant problems since it was 2 years old. I won’t buy another - I don’t like the new shape anyway.

Renault Scenic 1.6 Fidji 2003

Last of the old shape, bought new. Nice & roomy, lots of little useless storage. Finish & trim cheap & cheerful, some bits like washer bottle broke/release lever for middle rear seat broke/ dodgy rear wiper in 1st couple of years Renault unable to fix under warranty, just put up with them now. Half suede trim does not wear at all well, driver's seat wrecked. Engine management trouble twice - once fixed under warranty, once £200 to fix. Overall OK but wouldn't buy another.

Renault Scenic 2004

Since my last report it has had another electrical fault which stopped it in its tracks, discs and pads, and clutch replaced and now two weeks ago it dropped out of 6th gear on the motorway a couple of times and has now had a brand new gearbox fitted! Total bill for repairs since the warranty ran out is about 15k! Thank God I am not the lease company...

Renault Scenic 1.9 dCi 130 Conquest 2007

This is the best MPV, I did a lot of research before parting with my hard-earned money and it was all worth it. The space is very impressive and it can seat 5 adults and still be comfortable. Luggage and storage options cannot be faulted. I have never really been impressed by Renault or by French cars in general but the Scenic has, without doubt, changed my opinion somewhat. There is a feeling of quality that surrounds both the interior and the exterior, the optional parking sensors are recommended as they make parking on supermarket bays a doddle. Then we have the safety aspect, possible the most important factor in my opinion - front, side and full-length window airbags come as standard and the Scenic received the full 4 star EuroNCAP rating. This was the deal clincher. I have now done 10,000 trouble free miles safe in the knowledge that myself and my family are a safe as is possible. Good fuel economy and reasonable insurance costs plus a competitive purchase price make this a no-brainer when choosing a multi person vehicle. The 1.9 litre diesel gives great performance and the Scenic grips the road well. THE best MPV.

Renault Scenic 1.6 WT Expression 5dr 2006

Great family car, bags of space and comes with a good level of kit Ours has taken us to France and back twice and in the 2 years we’ve owned it has given us nothing but trouble free driving. Very reasonable to run and very good safety features. Can’t fault it.

Renault Scenic Monaco 1999

Very juicy on petrol; only getting 21 miles per gallon.

Renault Scenic Grande Scenic 2004

Got a top spec 2004 Grande Scenic on a lease which whilst the most practical, economical, child friendly and comfy car I have ever had has today broken down for the sixth time in a year. Since the warranty ran out last May the lease company (thank god I took the maintenance package out!!!) have spent �8,600 on repairs. These have been to date Oil pump and turbo (�2,000), complete engine 3 months later due to oil starvation (�5,000), discs, pads, batttery and clutch (�1,600) and today its died again. Its done 80,000 easy motorway cruising miles and hasn’t been thrashed or abused. I am on first name terms with the Renault garage staff and most of the AA in Kent! How can Renault produce cars like this?

Responses to this review

Many of the correspondents are commenting on cars which are fairly old, i.e. 2001/3/4, and often have covered many miles. Surely it is a fact that well worn mass produced cars break, and the scenic was somewhat infamous for this in its earlier incarnations? Can we have any comments on 2009/2010 models? - Duncan Morrison from England
    

Renault Scenic 2002

We bought the top of the range diesel scenic and love it. Although we have only done 48000 miles which is silly for a six year old diesel we would be looking to buy a new one, however we just don’t like the new shape, shame. It is constantly reliable and roomy, easily big enough for five even on a long journey. The seats come out if you need more boot space no problem, mpg is good and overall we can’t fault it.

Renault Scenic 1998

I have had my Renault Scenic for 4 years now and I love everything about it. It is spacious, it is high up with clear all round views, it is comfortable and easily seats 5 adults. I have never had any problems with it and I am 100% sure that my next car will also be a Renault Scenic. It even has little picnic tables for the rear passengers and the seats fold up to make a really spacious luggage/parcel storage department. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants to have stress free motoring.

Renault Scenic 1.5dci Dynamique 2005

This is the Third Scenic to date and possible the best in both comfort and economy, the previous two one was a 1.9 dt and the last one a 1.6 16v ,although both had there good points this series 2 ,has now made a very good motor even better, economy and speed, masses of pull with the small 106 engine and around fifty five to the gallon, only one fault is the design of the tailgate if you open this in the rain prepare for a wet boot, so beware, also the roof line being narrower than the doors also tends to let the rain into the door switches and the front foot wells, apart from these small problems a very good all round vehicle.

Renault Scenic 2.0 dCi diesel 2007

Bought the Scenic brand new a few months ago. Chuffed to bits with it, nippy, spacious, safe and good value for money. The Scenic is based on the Megane and is very economical, doing about 50 miles to the gallon. Both myself and my wife feel extremely safe in the Scenic, a full complement of air bags and anti-lock brakes. A EuroNCap rating of 5 stars confirms this feeling. If you are looking for a family car then you should look no further than the Renault Scenic,, it ticks all the boxes for us as a family.