IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2004 Renault Scenic Mk2

In spring 2004, Renault launched the Grand Scenic in the UK, adding 23cm in length and an extended wheelbase to house two fold-flat third-row seats, directly tackling the Vauxhall Zafira for seven-seat family buyers.

What changed for 2004

  • •Introduction of the 7-seat Grand Scenic with a 230mm longer body and 50mm extended wheelbase
  • •Two fold-flat third-row seats engineered into the luggage floor for occasional adult or child seating
  • •Upgraded rear suspension damper and spring rates tailored for carrying seven passengers and luggage
  • •Introduction of the 2.0-litre 16V turbocharged petrol engine (165bhp) at the top of the Scenic range

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Heavy rear suspension bush degradation and fatigued rear dampers under repeated family load carrying
  • !Severely worn rear brake discs and seized caliper slider pins on high-mileage Grand Scenic models
  • !Worn track rod ends and steering rack play causing wandering and uneven front tyre scrub
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Diesel injector, turbo and EGR trouble

SeriousEngine

Mk2 diesels can still make sense, but neglected 1.5 dCi and 1.9 dCi cars suffer from injector leaks, tired turbos and EGR-related running issues that quickly wipe out the value advantage.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Uneven idle, Diesel smell around injectors, Turbo whistle, Limp mode or excessive smoke

What to Inspect:
  • Cold-start smoke and idle quality
  • Injector seal condition
  • Turbo response and service history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Electronic parking-brake, key-card and dash electrical faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The Mk2 Scenic combines several classic Renault weak spots: electronic handbrake glitches, key-card recognition trouble and instrument or body-control faults that can be maddeningly intermittent.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£650
Warning Signs:

Parking brake fault message, Card not recognised, Dashboard resets or random warning lights

What to Inspect:
  • Repeated start and handbrake cycles
  • Both key cards if available
  • Any signs of damp, low battery voltage or previous electrical repairs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front suspension bush, drop-link and spring wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The Mk2 Scenic’s weight and soft setup mean front bushes, links, top mounts and springs wear regularly, producing knocks and vague steering long before the car feels truly unsafe.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£420
Warning Signs:

Front-end clonk, Loose steering feel, Uneven tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Drive it on rough roads
  • Inspect lower arms, links and top mounts
  • Review MOT history for repeated front-axle advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2004 Renault Scenic Mk2

  • Operate the third-row seating mechanism to ensure seat latches, folding hinges, and seatbelts latch cleanly
  • On 1.9 dCi diesel models, check for turbocharger whistle and confirm documented regular 6,000–9,000-mile oil changes
  • Inspect the rear tailgate glass hatch mechanism (where fitted) and test that the tailgate lock solenoid releases reliably
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Check a 2004 Renault Scenic Mk2 by Registration