Thinking about buying a used Renault Scenic (2003–2016) in New Zealand? We've documented 7 known faults for this model spanning engine, brakes, electrical, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
7
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,300
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Renault Scenic faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01F4R 2.0 16v Timing Belt Tensioner Spring Fatigue
CriticalCommonEngine $900–$7,500 to fix
The F4R 2.0 16v petrol engine fitted in Scenic II and Scenic III uses a coil-spring timing belt tensioner that loses preload through repeated heat cycles and sustained hard use. As spring tension drops, timing belt slack increases progressively until the belt skips teeth under high torque demand. The F4R interference design means any skip immediately contacts inlet and exhaust valves with pistons, causing catastrophic valve and piston damage. Family-use Scenic models loaded to capacity with passengers impose elevated engine load, increasing belt skip risk when tensioner spring preload has degraded.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden engine stop under load with no warning and failure to restart
Metallic rattling from front of engine before failure event
Engine cranks easily but produces no power or compression post-failure
Loss of compression on multiple cylinders confirmed by compression test
Metal debris found in engine oil following failure
What to check
Pull timing belt cover and inspect tensioner spring for fatigue or loss of preload; deflect belt manually to check for excessive slack; spin tensioner pulley to check bearing condition; verify service records show belt replaced with new tensioner spring; check belt surface for glazing or tooth wear indicating advanced age.
Where to look: Front of engine on inlet side, enclosed by the plastic timing belt cover
Ask the seller
“When was the timing belt last replaced?”
“Was the tensioner spring also replaced at that service?”
“Can you show workshop receipts confirming belt and spring renewal?”
“Has the engine ever cut out suddenly under load?”
02Crankshaft position sensor stalling and no-start
MajorCommonEngine $150–$450 to fix
Scenic II models widely suffer intermittent cutting out, stalling when warm, and hard or no-start caused by a failing crankshaft position sensor. The sensor signal drops out and disrupts engine timing so the engine dies without warning, then may restart once cooled. It affects both dCi diesel and petrol variants, and dirty sensor tips or corroded connector pins are a frequent contributing cause. Diagnosis is straightforward and replacement is inexpensive relative to the disruption it causes.
Symptoms to notice
Engine cuts out or stalls while driving, often when warm
Intermittent hard starting or failure to start
Engine restarts after cooling down
Erratic or fluctuating tachometer
What to check
During an extended test drive, especially once the engine is fully warm, note any stumble, stall, or cut-out, and check whether the tacho drops erratically. Ask the seller directly about any intermittent stalling or no-start episodes, which owners across this generation report from around 100,000 km. Have a scan run for crank-sensor codes, and inspect the sensor connector for corrosion where accessible.
Where to look: Crankshaft position sensor at the bellhousing or lower front of the engine block near the flywheel
Ask the seller
“Has the car ever cut out, stalled, or refused to start intermittently?”
“Has the crankshaft position sensor been replaced?”
“Do the symptoms appear once the engine is fully warm?”
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
5 more documented faults on the Renault Scenic
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 7 documented faults for the Renault Scenic, the recurring problem areas are engine, brakes, and electrical. A Renault Scenic with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Renault Scenic?
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We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Renault Scenic, covering engine, brakes, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Renault Scenic?
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Most single repairs on the Renault Scenic fall between $400–$1,300 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Renault Scenic?
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Yes. A Renault Scenic inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.