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Renault2003–2016 Critical issues documented

Renault Scenic JM: common faults & what to check

The JM is the Renault Scenic built 2003–2009. It was sold here with the 1.4 petrol, 1.5 dCi diesel, 1.6 petrol, 1.9 dCi diesel, 2.0 petrol, and 2.0 dCi diesel. Of the 6 faults documented for the Scenic, 4 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Renault Scenic

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

6

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$250–$600

Typical repair

4

Systems covered

You're looking at the JM

6 engine variants are documented for this generation. Pick yours to narrow further, or keep reading for the generation as a whole.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

A 2004 Renault Scenic is the JM generation (2003 to 2009).

Start your free check on this Renault Scenic

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Renault Scenic JMEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Scenic came with 6, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Renault Scenic · 2004

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Renault Scenic before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Operate every window fully up and down several times, listening for grinding or straining and watching for slow or juddering travel.

    See why

    Electric window regulator and Temic module failure

    The Scenic II is notorious for electric window regulator failure, where the plastic cable clips or the glass holder snap and the window drops into the door or jams part-way. The 6-pin Temic electronic control module mounted on the motor also suffers moisture ingress, causing erratic or dead operation. Failures are most common on the front doors but affect all four, and owners frequently report repeat failures within a year or two.

    What you would notice

    • Window drops into the door or will not raise
    • Grinding or clunking noise from the door when operating the window
    • Window moves slowly, intermittently, or stops mid-travel
    • Window operates on its own or ignores the switch

    Typically $250–$600 to put right.

See all 4 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

01Crankshaft position sensor stalling and no-start

Scenic II models widely suffer intermittent cutting out, stalling when warm, and hard or no-start caused by a failing crankshaft position sensor.2003–2009EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Electrical1

02Electric window regulator and Temic module failure

Operate every window fully up and down several times, listening for grinding or straining and watching for slow or juddering travel.2003–2009ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Depends on the exact engine — 2 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

01F4R 2.0 16v Timing Belt Tensioner Spring Fatigue

Pull timing belt cover and inspect tensioner spring for fatigue or loss of preload.petrol2003–2016EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Fluid leaks1

01K9K 1.5 dCi Injector Return Rail Banjo Bolt Washer Leak

diesel2003–2016Fluid LeaksRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Other Renault Scenic engines and years2 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

011.5 dCi (K9K) EGR and DPF clogging

diesel2005–2016EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Scenic III Electric Parking Brake Actuator Motor Failure

Inspect rear caliper actuator housings for corrosion, salt deposits, water ingress marks or physical damage to the housing.2009–2016Brakes
OccasionalBrakes $600–$1,800 to fix

Does not apply

The Scenic III replaces the conventional mechanical hand-lever parking brake with an electric parking brake system using a motor-driven actuator mounted directly on each rear brake caliper. The actuator motors are exposed to road water, salt contamination, and mud spray from below, which penetrates the actuator housing and corrodes the motor brush contacts and internal gearset. As the motor degrades, it draws excessive current attempting to generate sufficient torque to apply or release the caliper piston, eventually burning out motor windings or stripping the plastic actuator gearset. Failure may leave the rear brakes permanently applied or released, and the fault requires specialist Renault-compatible scan tool access to command actuator tests before any mechanical repair can be assessed.

Symptoms to notice

  • Electric parking brake warning light illuminated on instrument cluster
  • Parking brake fails to apply or release when switch is operated
  • Grinding, clicking or straining noise from rear calipers when parking brake operates
  • One or both rear wheels locked when parking brake should be fully released
  • Burning smell from rear of vehicle if caliper remains applied during driving

What to check

Inspect rear caliper actuator housings for corrosion, salt deposits, water ingress marks or physical damage to the housing; listen for abnormal sounds when operating the parking brake switch from inside the vehicle; connect Renault-compatible diagnostic equipment and scan for EPB-specific fault codes; check wiring harness to both actuators for chafing, damaged insulation or corroded connector pins; verify parking brake applies and releases completely and symmetrically on both rear wheels.

Where to look: Electric actuator motors mounted externally on the rear brake calipers, one unit per side at the rear axle

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric parking brake warning light ever appeared on the dash?”
  • “Does the parking brake apply and release without any unusual noise or hesitation?”
  • “Have either rear brake actuator motors been replaced?”
  • “Has the vehicle been diagnosed with Renault-compatible diagnostic equipment?”

Renault Scenic faults in detail

Narrowed to the Renault Scenic · 2004. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

Crankshaft position sensor stalling and no-startMajor · EngineElectric window regulator and Temic module failureMajor · ElectricalF4R 2.0 16v Timing Belt Tensioner Spring FatigueCritical · EngineK9K 1.5 dCi Injector Return Rail Banjo Bolt Washer LeakMajor · Fluid Leaks

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Renault Scenic’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Renault models

Renault Megane27 documented faultsRenault Koleos17 documented faultsRenault Clio15 documented faultsRenault Trafic15 documented faultsRenault Lutecia11 documented faultsRenault Laguna8 documented faults

Renault Scenic buyer questions

Is the Renault Scenic reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 6 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?

We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Renault Scenic, covering engine, brakes, and electrical. All 6 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Renault Scenic?

Most single repairs on the Renault Scenic fall between $250–$600 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.