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Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) (2004-2008) reliability

At a glance

Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) built around 2008: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) models built around 2008 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

11% of MOT tests on Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) models built around 2008 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 8% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) models built around 2008 involves the tyres.

Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen)
poor reliability2004-2008MPVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 3,307 tests of Grand Scenic models registered 2004-2008.

About 1 in 10 Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) MOTs (10.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,163 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 9 Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) MOTs (10.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 1,163 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

JM (2nd gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
49737.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,16337.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
87435.7%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
52833.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
24536.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 16 years old.

How the Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) compares

At each age below, see how the Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 50,771 tests across 13 Renault models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateRenault average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
49737.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,16337.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
87435.7%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
52833.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
24536.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen).

  1. 1

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.5%
    Dangerous
    5.4%

    Lower fail rate: 21.1%, against 37.1% for the Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen), both built around 2008.

    1,330 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Toyota Alphard

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.2%
    Dangerous
    5.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 37.1% for the Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen), both built around 2008.

    2,023 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Nissan Elgrand

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.5%
    Dangerous
    8.2%

    Lower fail rate: 23.1%, against 37.1% for the Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen), both built around 2008.

    2,345 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Volkswagen Caddy

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.4%
    Dangerous
    6.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.8%

    Lower fail rate: 29.5%, against 37.1% for the Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen), both built around 2008.

    6,217 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

86%of all Renault Grand Scenic cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

5 recalls in all

Includes recalls GOV.UK files under the Renault Scenic, the model this one is based on.

All 5 Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 recalls

Top concerns

  • Unexpected application of parking brake
  • Possible loss of power assistance to the steering
  • Brakes may fail

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 213 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
69%
Drivetrain
26%
Steering
26%
Emissions
12%
Bodywork
1%

Wear items

Lighting
86%
Brakes
64%
Tyres
62%
How Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) cars have aged

How Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%20%30%40%1314151617181920Age at MOTBuilt around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 37.1% (2,208 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 36.5% (1,674 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 37.0% (1,248 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 37.7% (925 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 37.9% (652 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 37.6% (2,330 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 37.0% (1,584 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 36.7% (1,195 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.8% (839 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 36.0% (544 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 36.7% (1,563 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 37.6% (1,090 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (732 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (483 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (300 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 37.9% (1,171 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.6% (725 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (454 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (288 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (168 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 37.4% (179 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 40.4% (89 tests, 2022 data)2004
First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005
How each part holds up as JM (2nd gen) cars age

How each part holds up as JM (2nd gen) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension69%76%65%74%
Brakes64%68%66%73%
Emissions12%19%17%26%
Tyres62%62%61%65%
Lighting86%90%80%82%
Drivetrain26%36%14%11%
Bodywork1%1%1%1%
Steering26%25%29%25%
Corrosion2%6%4%3%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 213 to 1,037 cars at each age.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Renault Grand Scenics of this age

This list covers every Renault Grand Scenic built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the JM (2nd gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    27.8%
    Advisory: 429Fail: 43 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    24.5%
    Advisory: 390Fail: 8 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    18.0%
    Advisory: 160Fail: 119 (43% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    16.9%
    Advisory: 199Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    15.4%
    Advisory: 151Fail: 79 (34% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,163 tests

Looking at a Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Renault Grand Scenic JM (2nd gen) (2004-2008) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,163 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 3,307 MOT tests on Renault Grand Scenics first registered between 2004-2008. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.