Renault Scenic
Solid early-generation dCi with a Bosch common-rail system that holds up well. Turbo failures and con-rod bearing damage are the known risks. The oil pump wears with mileage — 10,000 km oil changes are non-negotiable. Timing belt every 90,000-120,000 km.
Old Faithful
125 hp 1.9 dCi — capable old diesel in the Scenic III. Rough, but reliable.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The turbocharger on the F9Q is a known weak spot. Shaft play, oil supply problems and heat damage cause power loss and limp mode, typically from 120,000–160,000 km.
Symptoms: Whistling from turbo, power loss, blue/white smoke clouds, limp mode
The common-rail injectors on the F9Q are prone to contamination and mechanical wear. Loose injectors or faulty injection leads to misfires and the fault code 'injection defective'.
Symptoms: Engine stumbling, misfires, difficult cold start, 'injection defective' message
The EGR valve and intercooler on the F9Q are prone to heavy sooting. A burst intercooler manifests as power loss and heavy smoke — a well-known problem on early Laguna II models.
Symptoms: Heavy smoke, significant power loss, rough engine running
The injector wiring harness and ECU corrode from engine vibration and moisture. Faulty connections cause sporadic misfires and ECU resets.
Symptoms: Sporadic engine misfires, ECU reset while driving
The camshaft sensor on the F9Q fails comparatively frequently and generates fault codes. Replacement is cheap, but an unplanned failure can leave the car stranded.
Symptoms: Engine fault message, difficult start, sporadic stalling
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
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.
Springs, dampers and steering joints fail above-average on the Scenic III at vehicle inspections. Typical suspension problem that occurs in the mid-mileage range.
Brake components on the Scenic III wear significantly faster after about 7 years. MOT data confirm significantly higher defect rates with age. Rear brake calipers tend to seize.
After about 5 years, underbody corrosion increases on the Scenic III. Brake lines and the exhaust are preferred rust spots. Regular underbody inspection is recommended.
The chrome strip on the tailgate rubs through the zinc coating and causes rust underneath. Renault has been aware of the defect since 2011 but hasn't resolved it structurally. Repairs often only last around one year.
Rear window regulators fail. Lighting fails regularly within 4 years. Typical electronics problems of the range with moisture as a frequent cause.
Reports & Tests
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.
