IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Renault Scenic Mk3

The all-new Mk3 brought a better cabin and more refinement, making it the Scenic generation most UK buyers should target if they still want this style of Renault MPV.

What changed for 2009

  • •All-new Mk3 Scenic
  • •Improved cabin quality and safety kit

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension wear
  • !Brake imbalance
  • !Emissions faults on diesels
4
Known Issues
0
Serious
4
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Electronic parking-brake faults

ModerateBrakes

The EPB module or rear caliper motors can fail or become slow to release, leaving warning messages, dragging brakes or an MOT headache.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£650
Warning Signs:

Parking brake fault message, Handbrake slow to release, Grinding or straining noise

What to Inspect:
  • Cycle the EPB repeatedly
  • Try a hill start and park/release sequence
  • Check for previous caliper-motor or module replacement
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Heater resistor and blower-motor wiring failures

ModerateInterior & Trim

A failed resistor pack or overheated wiring connector can leave the blower stuck on one speed or dead altogether, which is a common annoyance on Mk3 Scenics.

Est. Repair Cost: £120–£300
Warning Signs:

Blower only works on one speed, No cabin fan, Burning smell from dash vents

What to Inspect:
  • Test every fan speed
  • Check climate control response
  • Look for prior resistor-pack or loom repairs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front suspension bush and drop-link wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Even the improved Mk3 still wears front links, bushes and top mounts fairly regularly on UK roads, so knocks and repeat MOT advisories are common on tired examples.

Est. Repair Cost: £160–£420
Warning Signs:

Front-end clonk, Loose steering feel, Tyre wear on the front axle

What to Inspect:
  • Drive over rough surfaces
  • Inspect links, bushes and top mounts
  • Check MOT history for repeated front suspension notes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

1.5 dCi EGR, injector and DPF trouble

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

The 1.5 dCi is economical, but short-trip use and patchy servicing lead to injector-seat leaks, EGR sticking and DPF warnings on later Mk3 cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£1,100
Warning Signs:

Limp mode, Uneven idle, Diesel smell around injectors, DPF or anti-pollution warning

What to Inspect:
  • Injector seat condition
  • EGR and DPF history
  • Cold-start smoke and idle
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2009 Renault Scenic Mk3

  • ✓The Mk3 is worth paying extra for, but only if the parking brake, keyless entry and climate controls all work properly on repeated tests
  • ✓Run the cabin fan on every speed because failed resistor packs and overheated wiring are common enough to be worth catching before purchase
  • ✓Check the MOT history for front suspension wear and brake imbalance because these are still heavy family MPVs
  • ✓Diesels need evidence of longer-run use and emissions maintenance, not just a stamp book, especially on later DPF-equipped cars
2010–2016
Check a 2009 Renault Scenic Mk3 by Registration