IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2006 Renault Scenic Mk2

The autumn 2006 Phase 2 facelift refreshed the Scenic Mk2 with a redesigned front bumper, projector headlights, LED rear light clusters, improved interior plastics, and the chain-driven 2.0 dCi 150bhp diesel engine.

What changed for 2006

  • •Exterior restyling featuring modernised grille slats, projector headlamp optics, and distinctive LED tail-lights
  • •Introduction of the robust, chain-driven 2.0 dCi (M9R) diesel engine developing 150bhp alongside 6-speed gearboxes
  • •Revised dashboard digital display module addressing soldering and burnout issues of early production cars
  • •Upgraded interior trim plastics, revised upholstery seat materials, and upgraded factory audio units

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Perished rear axle mounting bushes causing knocking over rough tarmac and failing MOT inspection
  • !Front suspension drop links and anti-roll bar bushes developing excessive play
  • !Particulate smoke and emissions test failure on high-mileage dCi engines with leaky injector seals
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 2006 Renault Scenic Mk2

  • Prioritise the Phase 2 2.0 dCi M9R engine over the older 1.9 dCi for its timing chain and superior mechanical reliability
  • Confirm that the central digital instrument cluster illuminates fully without flickering or odometer resets
  • Verify that all four electric window regulators lift smoothly without grinding or slipping off their cable runners
20052007–2008
Check a 2006 Renault Scenic Mk2 by Registration