Renault Scenic 3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
131–200 PS
2.0L dCi Diesel
Capable Van Diesel
Decent101–132 PS
1.2L TCe Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Renault Scenic 3 is available with 8 engine variants — from 61 to 200 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Renault 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 103–110 PS) has the K9K (1.5L dCi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The Renault 1.6L dCi (Diesel, 131 PS) has the R9M (1.6L dCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Renault 1.9L dCi (Diesel, 120–131 PS) comes with 2 different engines: F9Q (2009–2013, Be Careful) and F9Q (2009–2013, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L dCi!
The Renault 2.0L dCi (Diesel, 150–160 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M9R (2009–2016, Be Careful) and M9R (2009–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L dCi!
The Renault 1.2L TCe (Petrol, 116–132 PS) comes with 2 different engines: H5F (2013–2016, Stay Away!) and H5F (2013–2016, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L TCe!
The Renault 1.4L TCe (Petrol, 131 PS) has the H4J (1.4L TCe) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Renault 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 105–111 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
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Water ingress damages wiring harness under driver's seat Blocked bodywork drainage channels let water into the interior and damage the wiring harness under the driver's seat. Numerous electrical failures result. Regular inspection of drains recommended. Symptoms: Various electrical failures, damp floor mat, short circuits | Medium | |
| Voltage relay 1155 in A-pillar defective A defective relay 1155 in the left A-pillar disables the power supply of several control units. Power steering, air conditioning, radio, navigation and boot release can all fail simultaneously. Symptoms: Multiple systems fail simultaneously: power steering, air conditioning, radio, interior lighting and navigation. from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Window regulators and lighting defective Rear window regulators fail. Lighting fails regularly within 4 years. Typical electronics problems of the range with moisture as a frequent cause. Symptoms: Window regulator unresponsive, defective lights | Low |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report
Failed springs and dampers are a recurring weakness. Steering joints are regularly flagged. Front lighting is too often defective; older vehicles show increased brake disc wear.
2024-11Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 50 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Scenic 3 (2009–2016) — 42 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: H5F (1.2L TCe), K9K (1.5L dCi). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Brakes, Rust.
Scenic (F9Q, 2009–2013) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Injector Failure, EGR and Intercooler Soot Deposits. Power: 125–131 PS.
Scenic (F9Q, 2009–2013) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Injector Failure, EGR and Intercooler Soot Deposits. Power: 120–131 PS.
Scenic (K9K, 2009–2016) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Wear, High-Pressure Pump (Delphi) Failure, Injectors Sensitive to Fuel Quality. Power: 103–110 PS.
Scenic (M9R, 2009–2016) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Boost Control Valve / Failure, Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage. Power: 150 PS.
Scenic (M9R, 2009–2016) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Boost Control Valve / Failure, Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage. Power: 160 PS.
Scenic (R9M, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 131 PS.
Scenic (K4M, 2009–2016) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Failure from Exceeded Maintenance Interval, Timing Belt: Labour-Intensive Change Due to Tight Engine Bay, Camshaft Adjuster Failure. Power: 105–111 PS.
Scenic (H4J, 2009–2013) — Be Careful: Power Steering Recall (2019), Chain Tensioner: Cold-Start Rattle and Stretch, Cylinder Head Crack: Coolant Loss. Power: 131 PS.
Scenic (F4R, 2009–2016) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Replacement Involved and Costly, Oil Consumption from Coked Piston Rings, Ignition Coils Under Intake Manifold. Power: 135–140 PS.
Scenic (H5F, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches Prematurely, Turbocharger Failure, Electric Water Pump Failure. Power: 116 PS.
Scenic (H5F, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches Prematurely, Turbocharger Failure, Electric Water Pump Failure. Power: 132 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee