Rear axle bearings (torsion-beam axle)
usually 120,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rear wheels lean in, uneven tyre wear
Fix: Rebuild the rear axle
€300–800
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Renault Scénic I
1996–2003 · Renault Scénic 1
2
engines covered
12
known faults
11
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Renault Scénic I was built from 1996 to 2003.
For this generation we cover 2 engines and 12 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Crankshaft (big-end) bearing failure: it usually appears at 150,000–250,000 km and costs €1,500–3,500 to fix.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M) | Petrol | Belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo | 5W-40 / 10W-40 · Renault RN0700 / RN0710 · ~4.8 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.9 dCi / dTi (Renault F9Q) | Diesel | Belt · 120,000 km / every 60 mo | 5W-40 · Renault RN0710 · ~4.6 L · every 10,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Rust (rear arches, sills)
usually 100,000–300,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Bubbling paint
Fix: Rust repair
€200–800
Faults by engine
1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M)
Ignition coils
usually 120,000–280,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Misfire, flashing engine light — very common
Fix: Replace coil (and plugs)
€60–200
Camshaft variator (VVT) rattle
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Diesel-like rattle for a few seconds on start
Fix: Replace the variator pulley with the belt
€200–400
Oil leaks (cam cover / seals)
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Oil drips, burning smell
Fix: Replace gaskets
€80–250
Timing belt tensioner (early failures)
usually 60,000–90,000 km · High risk
Signs: Belt failure bends valves
Fix: Replace belt kit with water pump on time
€250–500
1.9 dCi / dTi (Renault F9Q)
Crankshaft (big-end) bearing failure
usually 150,000–250,000 km · High risk
Signs: Knocking, oil light — engine failure
Fix: 10,000 km oil intervals; bearing replacement
€1,500–3,500
Turbo failure (oil starvation)
usually 150,000–250,000 km · High risk
Signs: Whistle, smoke, oil loss
Fix: Replace turbo, clean the oil feed
€700–1,600
EGR valve
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace
€200–500
Injectors (Bosch / Delphi)
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Knocking, smoke
Fix: Test and replace
€500–1,200
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
DP0 / AL4 (4-speed automatic)
DP0 / AL4 solenoids / pressure regulator
usually 80,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Gearbox warning, limp mode, harsh shifts
Fix: Solenoids / pressure sensor; fluid change
€300–1,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 90,000 km or every 60 months | €450–900 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests in the Netherlands by age
Share of this model's Dutch fleet that had a defect in each system at a roadworthiness test (APK) in 2025. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and fuel. Sample: 3,921 cars.
| age (years) | 20+ |
|---|---|
| Brakes | 9.4 % |
| Suspension | 7.2 % |
| Steering | 8.3 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 15.8 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 29.6 % |
| Body and corrosion | 1.1 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 5.2 % |
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (11). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Unexpected application of parking brake02/06/2010 · R/2010/050
- Doors / locks / lids Front seats may not lock into position31/10/2006 · R/2006/177
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Brakes may fail12/06/2006 · R/2006/078
- Seat belt Seat belt stalk may detach08/05/2006 · R/2006/045
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Possible loss of brake power assistance15/02/2002 · R/2001/162
- Engine / loss of power Engine hesitation and idling concern15/02/2002 · R/2001/159
- Steering Front stabiliser bar brackets concern10/01/2002 · R/2001/160
- Fuel system Potential fuel leaks14/12/2001 · R/2001/138
The other recalls (3) are listed in the app.
Common questions
Does the Renault Scénic I have a timing chain or a timing belt?
1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M): belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo; 1.9 dCi / dTi (Renault F9Q): belt · 120,000 km / every 60 mo.
What are the known problems with the Renault Scénic I?
The faults with the highest risk: crankshaft (big-end) bearing failure (150,000–250,000 km, €1,500–3,500); turbo failure (oil starvation) (150,000–250,000 km, €700–1,600); DP0 / AL4 solenoids / pressure regulator (80,000–180,000 km, €300–1,500); timing belt tensioner (early failures) (60,000–90,000 km, €250–500). The full list by engine is on this page.
What should you check when buying a used Renault Scénic I?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (11 have been published for this model). If the engine has a timing belt, ask for the invoice for its replacement: with no proof, assume it has not been done. On the test drive, watch for these signs: knocking, oil light — engine failure; whistle, smoke, oil loss. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Other generations
Renault Scénic II 2003–2009Renault Scénic III 2009–2016Renault Scénic IV 2016–2022
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Renault Clio II 1998–2012Renault Mégane II 2002–2009Nissan Primera (P12) 2002–2008Opel Vivaro A 2001–2014Renault Trafic II 2001–2014Renault Laguna II 2001–2007Renault Mégane I 1995–2002Renault Kangoo I 1997–2008
Other Renault models
Renault Thalia / Symbol 1999–2013Renault Twingo I 1993–2007Renault Espace IV 2002–2014
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026