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Renault · Van · 2003–2009 Custom Search

Renault Scenic 2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

133–169 PS

2.0L 16V Benzin

Capable Van

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

75–98 PS

1.4L 16V Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

61–116 PS

1.5L dCi Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Renault Scenic 2 is available with 5 engine variants — from 61 to 169 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L dCi · Diesel· 82–110 PS Engine Change
2003 2009
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2003 2009
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.9L dCi · Diesel· 110–131 PS Engine Change
2003 2009
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2003 2009
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2003 2009
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2005 2009
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.4L 16V · Petrol· 98 PS
2003 2009
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
1.6L 16V · Petrol· 110–113 PS
2003 2009
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2.0L 16V · Petrol· 135–140 PS
2003 2009
Be Careful 4 weaknesses

The Renault 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 82–110 PS) comes with 2 different engines: K9K (2003–2009, Stay Away!) and K9K (2003–2009, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L dCi!

The Renault 1.9L dCi (Diesel, 110–131 PS) comes with 4 different engines: F9Q (2003–2009, Be Careful) and F9Q (2003–2009, Be Careful) and F9Q (2003–2009, Be Careful) and F9Q (2005–2009, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L dCi!

The Renault 1.4L 16V (Petrol, 98 PS) has the K4J (1.4L 16V) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 110–113 PS) has the K4M (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Renault 2.0L 16V (Petrol, 135–140 PS) has the F4R (2.0L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Control units damaged by moisture ingress

Blocked water drainage channels lead to water ingress under the driver's seat. This damages the wiring harness and control units. Extensive repairs are the result.

Symptoms: Various electrical failures, damp driver's seat footwell
Medium
!Window regulators and electronics defective

Defective window regulators, boot lid openers, wiper motors and radio systems are classics on the Scenic II. Instrument cluster unit fails; inexpensive repair available. Control units damaged by moisture.

Symptoms: Window regulator unresponsive, radio dead, speedo defective
Low
!Instrument cluster fails

The instrument cluster and speedo can fail completely, frequently due to solder joint defects on the circuit board. Reconditioning by specialists is possible; new parts are expensive and increasingly hard to find.

Symptoms: Speedo, fuel gauge or rev counter showing no values, display dark.
from 120,000 km
Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Scenic 2 (2003–2009) — 26 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. One problem engine: K9K (1.5L dCi). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Other, Brakes. Considered reliable: K4J (1.4L 16V).

Scenic (F9Q, 2003–2009) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Injector Failure, EGR and Intercooler Soot Deposits. Power: 116–125 PS.

Scenic (F9Q, 2003–2009) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Injector Failure, EGR and Intercooler Soot Deposits. Power: 110–120 PS.

Scenic (F9Q, 2003–2009) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Injector Failure, EGR and Intercooler Soot Deposits. Power: 110–116 PS.

Scenic (K9K, 2003–2009) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 82–86 PS.

Scenic (K9K, 2003–2009) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 101–110 PS.

Scenic (F9Q, 2005–2009) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Injector Failure, EGR and Intercooler Soot Deposits. Power: 125–131 PS.

Scenic (K4M, 2003–2009) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Failure from Exceeded Maintenance Interval, Timing Belt: Labour-Intensive Change Due to Tight Engine Bay, Camshaft Adjuster Failure. Power: 110–113 PS.

Scenic (F4R, 2003–2009) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Replacement Involved and Costly, Oil Consumption from Coked Piston Rings, Ignition Coils Under Intake Manifold. Power: 135–140 PS.

What to watch out for with the Renault Scenic? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Renault Scenic 2 have? +
The Renault Scenic 2 has 26 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Renault Scenic 2? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: K4J (1.4L 16V). The most reliable engine is the K4J (1.4L 16V) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the F4R (2.0L 16V). Problem engine: K9K (1.5L dCi) — stay away!
Which Renault Scenic 2 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Renault Scenic 2. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Renault Scenic 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Renault Scenic 2 — rated: "Decent". {description} 2.0 16V with 135 hp — in the Scenic more about comfort than sport. Capable on the motorway.
Is the Renault Scenic 2 worth buying used? +
The Renault Scenic 2 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Scenic 2? +
The Renault Scenic 2 is available with engine variants from 61 to 169 hp. Petrol: K4J (1.4L 16V), K4M (1.6L 16V), F4R (2.0L 16V). Diesel: F9Q (1.9L dCi), K9K (1.5L dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee