IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2016 Renault Scenic Mk4

Fourth-generation Scenic and Grand Scenic launch in the UK on the CMF-CD platform with standard 20-inch wheels, R-Link 2 portrait display, and 1.2 TCe petrol and 1.5/1.6 dCi diesel engines.

What changed for 2016

  • •Revolutionary crossover-inspired MPV styling featuring standard 20-inch wheels across all trims
  • •Introduction of one-touch electric folding rear seats operated from the boot panel or touchscreen
  • •R-Link 2 multimedia system available with 7.0-inch landscape or 8.7-inch portrait touch displays

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front anti-roll bar drop link ball joint play and suspension wishbone bush wear
  • !Brake disc face pitting and uneven rear pad wear
  • !Offside and nearside headlamp aim alignment too low on LED reflector headlights
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

1.2 TCe Excessive Oil Consumption and Timing Chain Wear

SeriousEngine

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £900–£3,800
Warning Signs:

Pronounced metallic rattling or ticking noise from the timing cover during cold start and idle, Rapid drop in engine oil level between scheduled services, requiring regular litre top-ups, Check Engine or Stop Engine warning light with camshaft and crankshaft correlation trouble codes, Loss of engine performance, rough idling, or misfiring under moderate acceleration

What to Inspect:
  • Withdraw the dipstick immediately upon arrival to verify the oil level is at the maximum mark and not pitch black
  • Ask the vendor for documented oil top-up history and inspect garage invoices for timing chain or tensioner repairs
  • Listen closely to the engine bay during a stone-cold start for any metallic chatter that lasts more than 2 seconds
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

R-Link 2 Touchscreen Infotainment Black Screen and System Freezing

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£750
Warning Signs:

Central touchscreen completely black or stuck on the initial Renault diamond logo upon startup, Inability to adjust cabin temperature, ventilation fan speeds, or air conditioning settings, Satellite navigation map freezing mid-journey or failing to locate GPS coordinates, Bluetooth connection dropping repeatedly during hands-free phone calls

What to Inspect:
  • Verify that the R-Link 2 display turns on immediately upon opening the car door and responds smoothly to touches
  • Test climate control adjustment through the bottom menu bar to confirm prompt fan and temperature response
  • Check system information in settings to determine if the software version has been upgraded to a stable release
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Standard 20-Inch Alloy Wheel Kerbing and Accelerated Suspension Wear

MinorSuspension & Chassis

Every 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£450
Warning Signs:

Clunking or knocking noises from the front wheels when driving over potholes, speed cushions, or sunken drain covers, Severe kerbing grazes, scratches, and peeling protective lacquer around the edges of all four 20-inch alloy rims, Harsh, fidgety ride quality and thumping cabin road noise over broken suburban asphalt, Uneven front tyre shoulder wear requiring premature tyre replacement

What to Inspect:
  • Examine all four 20-inch wheel rims for deep kerbing gouges, cracks, or visible distortions on inner and outer lips
  • Inspect tyre tread depths and brands across the 195/55 R20 tyres, factoring replacement tyre costs into your purchase price
  • Test drive over speed humps and potholed roads listening for front-end suspension knocks and rattles
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2016 Renault Scenic Mk4

  • Perform a cold start on 1.2 TCe models listening for timing chain rattle before the engine warms up
  • Test drive over broken road surfaces listening for front-end suspension thuds aggravated by the 20-inch wheels
  • Confirm that both sliding centre console and folding rear seat electronic switches work reliably
2017
Check a 2016 Renault Scenic Mk4 by Registration