Defects with a positive trend: The Renault Scénic at the TÜV

The extinction of vans has also affected him. As we knew it – as a compact van – the Renault Scénic is no longer available as a new car. The current Renault with this name is exclusively electrified and belongs to the SUV category.

If you still want the advantages of the spacious and at the same time variable interior Scénic as a family car, you have to buy used, make do with combustion engines and, despite the recent positive trend, accept a few of the Frenchman’s quirks. This is shown by his performance in the general vehicle inspection (HU).

• Model history: The Scénic rolled off the assembly line as an MPV until 2023, most recently as generation number four, which went on sale in 2016. The predecessor Scénic III was in the sales program from 2009 to 2016. Two successive facelifts (2012 and 2013) brought, among other things, new engines and a larger range of driving assistance systems. The original Scénic dates from 1996.
• Body and variants: The French model is available as a five- and seven-seater Grand Scénic. An off-road version of the Scénic III called Xmod was launched – with three-stage traction control, more ground clearance and distinctive bumpers including underbody protection. From 2017, mild hybrid engines as diesel and petrol engines complemented the portfolio of the Scénic IV.
• Dimensions (according to ADAC): Third generation: 4.34 m to 4.57 mx 1.85 mx 1.62 m to 1.68 m (LxWxH); Trunk volume: 470 l to 1,870 l (Scénic), 678 l to 2,083 l (Grand Scénic); Fourth generation: 4.41 m to 4.64 m x 1.87 m x 1.66 m (LxWxH); Trunk volume: 506 l to 1,554 l (Scénic), 718 l to 1,901 l (Grand Scénic).
• Strengths: Freedom of movement for the occupants and the variability – as seen, for example, in the many shelves – are part of the positive core of the compact van. According to the “Auto Bild TÜV Report 2024”, the drive shafts turn out to be “absolutely problem-free” through the lens of technology. The steering components hardly produced any chips during the first two test appointments, and the function of the brakes also did not cause any worries. Oil loss is rarely a problem. The exhaust system is therefore of the durable variety.
• Weaknesses: Generation III is more vulnerable than the last edition, with significant defects being passed through the HU more than average, according to the report. Defects in springs and dampers are one reason for this; The tie rods also often have play and the chassis begins to rust. The brake lines sometimes cause criticism and the brake discs are susceptible to wear. The taillights also cause high complaint rates, but the successor also fails quite often in the lighting chapter, which, like its predecessor, also failed the emissions test (AU).
• Breakdown behavior: In the ADAC breakdown statistics, the Scénic from the years 2009 to 2017, which was first registered, performs rather mediocre; the results for models from 2018 and 2019 are poor, while Scénics from 2020 and 2021 land in good places. Younger models are no longer listed due to lower registration numbers. The main points of breakdown include: the starter motor on cars from 2009 and 2010, the exhaust pipe (2011) and the brake caliper or the wheel brake cylinder at the rear on models from 2009 and 2012. On models from 2017, the fuse and relay box keeps causing problems. Striking starter batteries also cause breakdowns (2016 to 2020).
• Engines: Scénic III: petrol engine (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 81 kW/110 hp to 103 kW/140 hp; Diesel (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 63 kW/85 HP to 118 kW/160 HP. Scénic IV: Petrol engine (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 85 kW/115 HP to 120 kW/163 HP; Diesel (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 81 kW/110 HP to 118 kW/160 HP. There is a mild hybrid version of the 1.5-liter diesel with a starting generator, recuperation and buffer battery: 87 kW/118 hp.

Dealer sales value according to the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers – three price examples:

• Grand Scénic IV Bose Edition 1.5 dCi 110 Energy (6/2018); 81 kW/110 HP (four-cylinder); 108,000 kilometers; 14,773 euros.
• Scénic III Authentique 1.2 TCe 115 Energy (6/2015; facelift); 85 kW/115 HP (four-cylinder); 124,000 kilometers; 6,286 euros.
• Grand Scénic IV Intense 1.5 dCi 110 Hybrid Assist Energy (6/2018); 81 kW/110 HP (four-cylinder); 108,000 kilometers; 13,227 euros.