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Renault Scenic Mk2 (2003-2009) reliability

At a glance

Renault Scenic Mk2 built around 2008: about average at the MOT

Renault Scenic Mk2 models built around 2008 fail their MOT a little more often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Renault Scenic Mk2?

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

Key figure

36% of MOT tests on Renault Scenic Mk2 models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Renault Scenic Mk2 models built around 2008 involves the tyres.

Renault Scenic Mk2
poor reliability2003-2009MPVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 9,892 tests of Scenic models registered 2003-2009.

About 1 in 10 Scenic Mk2 MOTs (9.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,246 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 10 Scenic Mk2 MOTs (9.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 3,246 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 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
1,12935.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
3,24636.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,46535.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,51635.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
70735.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
55631.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
27335.2%

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 17 years old.

How the Scenic Mk2 compares

At each age below, see how the Scenic Mk2 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
1,12935.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
3,24636.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,46535.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,51635.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
70735.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
55631.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
27335.2%

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.

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 Scenic Mk2.

  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 36.3% for the Renault Scenic Mk2, 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 36.3% for the Renault Scenic Mk2, 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 36.3% for the Renault Scenic Mk2, 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 36.3% for the Renault Scenic Mk2, 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

92%of all Renault 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% · The same

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

17 recalls in all

6 of the 17 Scenic Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 recalls

Top concerns

  • Unexpected application of parking brake
  • Possible loss of power assistance to the steering
  • Front seats may not lock into position

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

What has gone wrong on Scenic Mk2 cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 451 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
63%
Drivetrain
27%
Steering
23%
Emissions
6%

Wear items

Lighting
78%
Brakes
59%
Tyres
51%
How Scenic Mk2 cars have aged

How Scenic Mk2 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.

0%10%20%30%40%121416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (1,785 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (1,577 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (1,352 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (1,060 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (846 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (4,866 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (3,935 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (3,169 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (2,300 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.2% (1,747 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 35.8% (5,572 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (4,261 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.5% (3,247 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (2,283 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (1,555 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 35.8% (4,199 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (3,111 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.8% (2,255 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (1,580 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.8% (1,135 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 36.8% (2,218 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (1,514 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (1,046 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.8% (681 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (451 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 37.5% (1,637 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (1,014 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (709 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (491 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (335 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (923 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (651 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (519 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (341 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (273 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk2 cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 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
Suspension63%73%67%66%
Brakes59%62%66%64%
Emissions6%7%14%18%
Tyres51%51%55%57%
Lighting78%81%76%76%
Drivetrain27%35%16%23%
BodyworkNo figureNo figure1%1%
Steering23%25%23%20%
Corrosion4%5%5%5%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 451 to 992 cars at each age.

Mk2 variants compared

Scenic Mk2 variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each Scenic Mk2 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • SCENIC36.0%2,441 tests

Diesel

  • SCENIC37.1%805 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Renault Scenics of this age

This list covers every Renault Scenic built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 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

    24.5%
    Advisory: 1,045Fail: 106 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    23.1%
    Advisory: 1,057Fail: 15 (1% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    19.2%
    Advisory: 609Fail: 20 (3% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    17.5%
    Advisory: 438Fail: 287 (40% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    15.4%
    Advisory: 610Fail: 108 (15% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,246 tests

Looking at a Renault Scenic Mk2?

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 Scenic Mk2 (2003-2009) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 3,246 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 9,892 MOT tests on Renault Scenics first registered between 2003-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.