Renault Scenic
1.3-litre turbo developed with Daimler with significantly improved reliability compared to the 1.2 TCe. Direct injection promotes intake valve carbon build-up, ignition coils and spark plugs fail earlier than expected. Regular spark plug inspection from 60,000 km is advisable.
New Turbo Entry Level
115 hp 1.3 TCe — more modern engine than the 1.2, adequate for the van.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The H5H 1.3 TCe also shows initial timing chain rattling in 2019 models after 50,000–70,000 km. Chain tensioners in particular wear prematurely and must be replaced.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, clattering on load changes, camshaft control fault code
The wastegate valve of the H5H 1.3 TCe turbocharger wears after 80,000–100,000 km, causing power loss and increased oil consumption.
Symptoms: Power loss, no boost build-up, whistling from the turbo area
As a direct injector without port injection, no fuel washes the intake valves. Carbon deposits on the intake manifold and valves are possible after 60,000–80,000 km.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough engine running, increased fuel consumption
Regardless of the engine, vehicles with the H5H frequently show electronics problems in the R-Link infotainment and air conditioning, considered vehicle-specific issues but worsened by engine-related thermal problems.
Symptoms: Infotainment freezes, air conditioning unresponsive, sporadic warning lights
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.
