Renault Scenic Mk4
Introduced to the UK market in late 2016, the fourth-generation Renault Scenic (and seven-seat Grand Scenic) transformed the traditional compact MPV into a fashion-conscious crossover-MPV. Boldly styling the car with a swept-back windscreen, raised ground clearance, and fitting colossal 20-inch alloy wheels as standard across every single trim level, Renault sought to counter the market stampede toward compact SUVs. Built on the Alliance's CMF-CD modular architecture, the Mk4 retained high family practicality, offering a sliding modular centre console, underfloor storage wells, folding rear seats with one-touch electric release, and up to 572 litres of luggage space. Engine choices initially spanned 1.2-litre TCe petrols and 1.5 or 1.6-litre dCi diesels, before being thoroughly overhauled in 2018 with the far superior 1.3-litre TCe four-cylinder (co-developed with Mercedes-Benz) and cleaner 1.7 Blue dCi units. As a used buy, the Mk4 Scenic offers distinctive design and vast family versatility for modest money, but potential buyers must be vigilant: early 1.2 TCe petrols suffer from severe oil consumption, the ubiquitous 20-inch tyres demand higher replacement budgets, and the central R-Link 2 infotainment system is prone to freezing.
Check a specific car?
Got a registration for a Scenic Mk4? Get an instant MOT and history report.
Common Faults & Reliability
These are the most common documented problems for the Renault Scenic Mk4, sorted by their typical impact and frequency.
1.2 TCe Excessive Oil Consumption and Timing Chain Wear
high severityThe 1.2-litre TCe petrol (H5Ft) on 2016–2018 Scenic models is prone to severe oil consumption due to piston ring design and high manifold vacuum. Unchecked oil loss starves the hydraulic timing chain tensioner, causing chain stretch, metallic rattle on cold starts, and potential valve contact. Fuel dilution also accelerates bottom-end bearing wear. Renault issued ECU updates to alter manifold pressures, but oil-starved engines often need timing chain kit replacement (£900–£1,400) or full engine replacement exceeding £3,500.
Standard 20-Inch Alloy Wheel Kerbing and Accelerated Suspension Wear
low severityEvery fourth-generation Renault Scenic left the Douai factory fitted with tall and narrow 195/55 R20 tyres on large 20-inch alloy wheels. Because the tyre sidewall is shallow and offers virtually no rim protection lip, the diamond-cut alloy wheels are extraordinarily susceptible to severe kerbing gouges, rim buckling on potholes, and subsequent white-worm lacquer corrosion. Furthermore, the substantial unsprung weight of the 20-inch wheel and tyre combination transmits harsh vertical shock loads through the chassis on uneven UK road surfaces, leading to premature wear and knocking in front anti-roll bar drop links, lower control arm rear bushes, and front strut top mounts.
R-Link 2 Touchscreen Infotainment Black Screen and System Freezing
medium severityThe 7-inch landscape or 8.7-inch portrait R-Link 2 touchscreen controls navigation, radio, vehicle settings, and climate controls. On 2016–2019 cars, the system can suffer blackouts, freeze on the startup logo, or become unresponsive to touch inputs. In addition, Bluetooth drops connections and the reversing camera feed may fail. Early software branches were notoriously buggy; while dealer firmware updates cure software glitches, corrupted flash memory requires complete replacement of the central infotainment processor unit.
Browse by Production Year
Select a specific year to view detailed registration directory lookup and annual MOT history reports for the Renault Scenic Mk4.