Seven seats without the school-run minibus look
The Renault Grand Scenic is a seven-seat MPV that offered families a stylish alternative to van-like people carriers like the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso and Volkswagen Touran. Available from 2009 to 2020 across two generations, it targeted families who wanted seven seats without sacrificing kerb appeal. Its sliding rear seats, clever storage solutions, and distinctive design language set it apart, though it carried Renault's mixed reliability reputation.
We track 5 known issues across the Renault Grand Scenic range, with 3 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Renault Grand Scenic? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Mk2 (2003–2009) — Petrol options included the 1.6 16v, 2.0 16v, with 1.5 dCi, 1.9 dCi on the diesel side. We track 4 known issues on this generation, with 2 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Shock absorber failure (£300–£500 to address).
Mk3 (2009–2016) — Petrol options included the 1.4 TCe, 1.6 16v, with 1.6 dCi, 1.5 dCi on the diesel side. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Shock absorber failure (£300–£500 to address).
Mk4 (2016–2023) — Petrol options included the 1.2 TCe, 1.3 TCe, with 1.5 dCi, 1.7 Blue dCi on the diesel side. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Shock absorber failure (£300–£500 to address).
The Grand Scenic suffers from premature shock absorber failure affecting front and rear units. MOT data shows this model fails shock absorber tests at over 100 times the national fleet average, indicating a systemic design or manufacturing issue. The failure typically manifests as internal seal degradation causing fluid leakage and complete loss of damping. This affects ride quality, handling, and tyre wear patterns significantly.
Failed shock absorbers compromise vehicle stability and braking performance, particularly in emergency situations. Continued driving with failed units accelerates tyre wear and can damage other suspension components. Replace in axle pairs for balanced handling.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The electronic parking brake system fitted to third and fourth generation Grand Scenics suffers from actuator motor failure and control module faults. MOT data shows this model fails electronic parking brake tests at over 100 times the national fleet average. The system uses electric actuators on the rear brake calipers which are prone to seizure, particularly in high-mileage or poorly-maintained examples.
Electronic parking brake failure can leave the vehicle unable to be secured when parked or cause the brake to seize on. Actuator replacement typically requires specialist diagnostic equipment and brake system bleeding. Some failures require complete caliper replacement.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The Grand Scenic suffers from premature steering ball joint wear, particularly the track rod ends and steering rack ball joints. MOT data shows this model fails ball joint tests at 50 times the national fleet average across all generations. The issue affects steering precision and causes irregular tyre wear. Dust boot failure allows contamination leading to accelerated joint deterioration.
Worn steering ball joints compromise directional stability and can cause sudden steering failure in extreme cases. Continued driving accelerates tyre wear and affects wheel alignment. Ball joints should be replaced in pairs on the same axle to maintain balanced steering response.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The Grand Scenic suffers from premature steering rack gaiter (dust boot) failure at 65 times the national fleet average according to MOT data. These rubber boots protect the steering rack mechanism from dirt and water ingress. When they split or detach, contamination enters the rack causing accelerated wear and potential steering rack failure. This is often an early warning of developing steering problems.
Failed gaiters allow water and dirt into the steering rack mechanism, leading to premature rack wear and eventual replacement. Early gaiter replacement prevents more expensive steering rack failure. The vehicle remains safe to drive but the problem will worsen if ignored.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The Grand Scenic experiences premature suspension bush deterioration at nearly 40 times the national fleet average according to MOT data. This affects control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and subframe mounts. The rubber bushes perish and split, allowing excessive movement in the suspension geometry. This leads to imprecise handling, noise over bumps, and accelerated tyre wear.
Worn suspension bushes reduce handling precision and ride comfort. They allow excessive movement in the suspension which accelerates wear of other components including tyres and shock absorbers. Replace worn bushes in sets to maintain suspension geometry and handling balance.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Renault Grand Scenic common problems page.
Based on 146k real DVSA MOT tests, the Renault Grand Scenic fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is parking brake inefficient at 635x the fleet average, followed by headlight fault (154x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Renault Grand Scenic MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Renault Grand Scenic service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Renault Grand Scenic is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way. 2016-2019 Mk4 models are the best choice. The all-new platform brought modern safety kit, improved interior quality, and better infotainment. The 2012-2013 facelift of the Mk3 is the pick of the earlier generation with revised styling and updated tech.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Renault Grand Scenic, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Renault Grand Scenic issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.