Renault Scenic years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 12 Renault Scenic years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use year2006–2017
- Above the average for their first-use yearNone
- Can't be told apart from averageNone
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 54.8% to 55.9%.
In 2025, 55.3% of the 29,177 initial MOT tests on Renault Scenic cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 63.6%. That is 8.2 points below the same-age average.
Check a specific Scenic
Renault Scenic MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017age 8 | 1,09452,400 | 74.7%±2.7 | −3.5 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 1,05458,200 | 69.0%±2.9 | −5.9 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 3,01369,000 | 62.6%±1.8 | −9.3 ptsall: 71.9% | |
| 2014age 11 | 3,04478,700 | 57.3%±1.8 | −11.3 ptsall: 68.6% | |
| 2013age 12 | 2,74982,200 | 55.9%±1.9 | −9.9 ptsall: 65.8% | |
| 2012age 13 | 2,43788,500 | 57.2%±2.0 | −6.3 ptsall: 63.5% | |
| 2011age 14 | 3,58392,600 | 53.4%±1.7 | −7.8 ptsall: 61.2% | |
| 2010age 15 | 5,130102,500 | 51.9%±1.4 | −7.4 ptsall: 59.3% | |
| 2009age 16 | 1,57899,200 | 50.8%±2.5 | −7.5 ptsall: 58.3% | |
| 2008age 17 | 1,95892,300 | 47.4%±2.3 | −9.8 ptsall: 57.2% | |
| 2007age 18 | 2,10690,100 | 48.5%±2.2 | −8.9 ptsall: 57.4% | |
| 2006age 19 | 1,43190,800 | 50.0%±2.6 | −7.0 ptsall: 57.0% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
66.7% of Renault Scenic tests at 30,000 to 59,999 miles passed first time, against 47.8% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 74.2% and 56.9%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30,000–59,999 | 5,170 | 66.7%±1.3 | −7.5 ptsall: 74.2% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 10,000 | 55.6%±1.0 | −8.7 ptsall: 64.3% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 8,192 | 51.2%±1.1 | −7.4 ptsall: 58.6% |
| 120,000 or more | 4,981 | 47.8%±1.4 | −9.1 ptsall: 56.9% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Scenic tests were below average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Renault Scenic tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: under 30,000. 192 tests (0.7%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Scenic problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Renault Scenic
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 22.6%2,944 tests | 10.1% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 13.9%1,807 tests | 11.5% |
| Track rod end ball joint has excessive playSteering | 13.4%1,745 tests | 4.7% |
| Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics | 13.0%1,700 tests | 7.9% |
| Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 10.5%1,373 tests | 6.2% |
| Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirtBody, chassis, structure | 9.6%1,254 tests | 5.7% |
| Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 7.0%918 tests | 3.0% |
| Headlamp not working on dipped beamLights and electrics | 6.6%860 tests | 5.5% |
| Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes | 6.4%839 tests | 5.5% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 6.3%821 tests | 7.5% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Scenic's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Scenic
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Steering
- With the engine running, turn the wheel from lock to lock. It should move smoothly and quietly.
- On a straight, level road, the car should run straight with the steering wheel centred.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Scenic's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Renault Scenic cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 8.0% failed on tyres, against 4.6% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,472 and 9,895 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 19.5% of those with a tyre advisory and 17.5% of the others.
Brakes
Of Renault Scenic cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 12.0% failed on brakes, against 6.5% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,593 and 9,654 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 22.3% of those with a brake advisory and 16.4% of the others.
Suspension
Of Renault Scenic cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 23.8% failed on suspension, against 15.9% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,749 and 10,572 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 22.2% of those with a suspension advisory and 16.8% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataRenault Scenic questions
Which Renault Scenic years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2006–2017. None is clearly above average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Renault Scenic reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 55.3% of initial MOT tests on Renault Scenic cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 63.6%. That is 8.2 points below average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Renault Scenic problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 49.8% of failed tests), suspension (in 45.0% of failed tests) and brakes (in 22.4% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Renault Scenic?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Renault Scenic cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 69,000 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Scenic's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Renault Scenic
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Renault models
- Renault Clio−12.1 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Captur−2.1 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Trafic−13.1 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Megane−10.7 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Kadjar−6.0 pts against the same-age average
- Renault Kangoo−13.5 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 12 Renault modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Renault Scenic cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count