MPV and people carrier · 1997–2018 cars
Renault Megane Scenic reliability
The Renault Megane Scenic fails 41.4% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 14,441 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Renault Megane Scenic before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 41.4%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 14,441
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 9,400
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Renault Megane Scenic ages
Each point is the share of Renault Megane Scenics of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Renault Megane Scenic | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 16.7% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 22.6% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 24.9% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 24.3% | 22.1% |
| 18 | 50.4% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 46% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 45.7% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 45.9% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 44.2% | 40.6% |
| 23 | 43.7% | 38.9% |
| 24 | 40.5% | 37.1% |
By year
The best and worst Renault Megane Scenic years
2002 cars come out best and 2017 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Megane Scenic | 1,598 | 22.5% | 17% more fails | 51,950 |
| 2016 Megane Scenic | 1,184 | 24.1% | 14% more fails | 57,521 |
| 2007 | 202 | 60.4% | 42% more fails | 100,028 |
| 2003 Megane Scenic | 3,174 | 46.8% | 8% more fails | 101,619 |
| 2002 Megane Scenic | 3,353 | 45.3% | 6% more fails | 104,094 |
| 2001 Megane Scenic | 2,437 | 45.2% | 8% more fails | 101,683 |
| 2000 Megane Scenic | 1,358 | 45.6% | 13% more fails | 105,996 |
| 1999 | 276 | 36.2% | 1% fewer fails | 80,327 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Renault Megane Scenic
Its weak spot is windscreen, wipers and mirrors: 67% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics18.1%4% above avg
- Brakes12.4%8% above avg
- Suspension12%11% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors11.3%67% above avg
- Tyres8.2%34% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure7.7%1% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.1%18% below avg
- Steering4.1%24% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags1.2%55% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.36% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 4.18% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 3
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.02% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.54% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
Position lamp not working 3.46% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 6
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.62% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 7
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.38% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.15% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Renault Megane Scenic's MOT certificate most often.
- Brake disc pitted or scored18.61%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit16%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive11.35%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking11.07%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy7.98%
- Brake pads wearing thin7.33%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Renault Megane Scenic
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 3
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Renault Megane Scenic covers about 9,400 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol66.9%
- Diesel33%
- LPG0%
Most common colours
Silver, Blue, Grey, Red, Green
Average engine size: 1.6 litres.
Compare
How the Renault Megane Scenic compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prius+ | 16.1% | 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota Previa | 44% | about average for its age |
| Renault Megane Scenic | 41.4% | 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Tourneo Custom | 19.3% | 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Chevrolet Orlando | 40.6% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën Grand C4 Picasso | 50.5% | 29% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Rifter | 18.9% | 56% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every mpv and people carrier ranked in the mpv and people carrier reliability index, or all Renault models.
Questions
Renault Megane Scenic questions, answered
Is the Renault Megane Scenic reliable?
On MOT results, the Renault Megane Scenic is below average: it fails 41.4% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 25 of 49 mpv and people carrier models in our index.
What fails most on a Renault Megane Scenic MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Renault Megane Scenic are suspension ball joint excessively worn (4.36% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (4.18% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.02% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 18.1% of its tests.
Which Renault Megane Scenic year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2002 cars do best (6% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2017 cars do worst (17% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Renault Megane Scenic do a year?
A typical Renault Megane Scenic covers about 9,400 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Renault Megane Scenic before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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