Renault Scenic
Widely used 1.2 TCe four-cylinder with a structural problem: the oil pump intermittently under-supplies the timing chain tensioner, leading to chain rattle, camshaft adjuster wear and increased oil consumption. Consumption over 1 l/1,000 km is not uncommon. Always check oil consumption before purchase and listen for chain noise.
Base Petrol
115 hp TCe in the Scenic IV — minimum for the large compact van.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The most well-known H5F problem: the timing chain stretches significantly — especially with short-trip use or missed oil changes — potentially causing rattling and engine damage from 70,000–100,000 km. Oil dilution from short trips accelerates wear.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, clattering on load changes, camshaft control fault code, engine damage
The H5F turbocharger suffers from oil supply problems, worsened by oil dilution from short trips and extended change intervals. Turbo damage is expensive.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo, blue smoke, power loss, no boost build-up
The electric water pump in the H5F hybrid derivatives (H5F index 600/601 in Austral/Espace) fails systematically in early build years, risking overheating and engine damage. Coolant losses are also known in the standard H5F.
Symptoms: Overheating warning, falling coolant level, coolant loss without visible leak
The H5F consumes increasing amounts of oil over its service life, often through worn piston rings or leaking valve stem seals. Values of 0.5–1.5 litres per 1,000 km are known from forum reports.
Symptoms: Oil level visibly drops between changes, blue smoke on acceleration
Faulty camshaft sensors and actuator solenoids trigger starting problems and fault codes. When the timing chain has stretched the symptoms worsen as valve timing drifts out of spec.
Symptoms: Hard starting, camshaft DTC fault, rough running
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Blocked drains let water into the interior and damage the wiring harness under the driver's seat. This problem remains unresolved on the Scenic IV as well and leads to expensive repairs.
The suspension on the Scenic IV already shows significantly higher defect rates at the first MOT after 3 years. Springs, dampers, driveshafts and steering joints are the affected components.
In winter consumption rises to up to 28 kWh/100 km; in frost, fast-charger output drops from 130 kW to below 80 kW. Real winter range is approximately 40% below the WLTP figure.
Warped doors and interior rattling were criticised at delivery and in service. Build quality does not match the level of the competition.
The infotainment system crashes and becomes unresponsive. Software updates don't always provide a lasting fix. Parking aid and driver assistance systems also occasionally malfunction.
My-Renault app and vehicle software frequently show fault messages after OTA updates that don't resolve themselves. Charging functions, pre-conditioning and vehicle status queries are affected.
Reports & Tests
Improvements over the predecessor, but axle components still wear prematurely. Dual-clutch gearbox jerks on pull-away. Infotainment failures occur. Front lighting remains a persistent issue.
