Keycard reader / immobiliser
usually 60,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: 'Card not detected', won't start
Fix: Repair or replace the card reader
€150–450
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Renault Scénic II
2003–2009 · Renault Scénic 2
4
engines covered
20
known faults
11,349
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
7
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Renault Scénic II was built from 2003 to 2009.
For this generation we cover 4 engines and 20 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.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (31.7 %), suspension (19.2 %), brakes (14.9 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, steering, lights, wipers and visibility. It fails less often than average on: exhaust, emissions and leaks.
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 |
| 1.5 dCi (K9K) | Diesel | Belt · 120,000 km / every 72 mo | 5W-30 · Renault RN0720 (DPF) / RN0710 · ~4.5 L · every 10,000 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 |
| 2.0 dCi (Renault-Nissan M9R) | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · Renault RN0720 · ~6.0 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Window regulators
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Window drops or jams
Fix: Replace the regulator
€80–200
Electronic parking brake (Scénic / Espace)
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Parking brake warning, won't release
Fix: Repair or replace the actuator
€250–800
Boot / tailgate lock
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Boot won't open
Fix: Replace the lock / switch
€60–200
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
1.5 dCi (K9K)
Injector wear
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, smoke
Fix: Replace injectors
€600–1,400
Crankshaft bearing wear
usually 180,000–280,000 km · High risk
Signs: Knock under load; worse on older engines
Fix: Keep oil changes at 10,000 km
€1,500–3,000
EGR / DPF
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace
€250–1,200
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
2.0 dCi (Renault-Nissan M9R)
Injectors / injector seals
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Knocking, smoke
Fix: Replace
€500–1,500
DPF / EGR
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace
€300–1,500
Crankshaft bearings (early engines)
usually 150,000–250,000 km · High risk
model years 2005–2009 only
Signs: Knocking
Fix: Short oil intervals; bearings
€1,500–3,500
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 by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 11,349 tests.
| thousand km | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 | 250+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 11.7 % | 14.9 % | 16.4 % | 18.8 % | 22.2 % |
| Suspension | 13.9 % | 19.2 % | 24.4 % | 26.1 % | 29.5 % |
| Steering | 5.8 % | 8.8 % | 10.5 % | 11.5 % | 10.8 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 6.3 % | 8.2 % | 9.3 % | 9.7 % | 11.0 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 28.3 % | 31.7 % | 35.4 % | 34.9 % | 36.8 % |
| Body and corrosion | 5.4 % | 7.3 % | 8.8 % | 10.0 % | 12.3 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 3.0 % | 3.4 % | 4.3 % | 4.3 % | 4.3 % |
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (7). 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.
- Engine / loss of power Rear bolts on front seat runner may not be torqued correctly04/11/2016 · R/2016/199
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Engine power and/or braking efficiency may be affected08/01/2016 · R/2016/001
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Unexpected application of parking brake02/06/2010 · R/2010/050
- Steering Possible loss of power assistance to the steering27/10/2009 · R/2009/116
- 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
Common questions
Does the Renault Scénic II have a timing chain or a timing belt?
1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M): belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo; 1.5 dCi (K9K): belt · 120,000 km / every 72 mo; 1.9 dCi / dTi (Renault F9Q): belt · 120,000 km / every 60 mo; 2.0 dCi (Renault-Nissan M9R): chain.
What are the known problems with the Renault Scénic II?
The faults with the highest risk: crankshaft (big-end) bearing failure (150,000–250,000 km, €1,500–3,500); crankshaft bearings (early engines) (150,000–250,000 km, €1,500–3,500); crankshaft bearing wear (180,000–280,000 km, €1,500–3,000); turbo failure (oil starvation) (150,000–250,000 km, €700–1,600). The full list by engine is on this page.
What does the Renault Scénic II most often fail its roadworthiness test on?
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (31.7 %), suspension (19.2 %), brakes (14.9 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, steering, lights, wipers and visibility. It fails less often than average on: exhaust, emissions and leaks.
What should you check when buying a used Renault Scénic II?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (7 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; knocking. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Other generations
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Nissan Qashqai (J10) 2006–2014Renault Clio II 1998–2012Renault Clio III 2005–2012Renault Mégane III 2008–2016Renault Mégane II 2002–2009Nissan Primera (P12) 2002–2008Opel Vivaro A 2001–2014Renault Trafic II 2001–2014
Other Renault models
Renault Laguna II 2001–2007Renault Twingo II 2007–2014Renault Kangoo II 2008–2021Renault Kangoo I 1997–2008
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. 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