IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 Renault Scenic Mk4

Renault updates the Scenic range with the refined 1.3 TCe petrol engine co-developed with Daimler, alongside updated 1.7 Blue dCi diesel engines equipped with SCR AdBlue emissions systems.

What changed for 2018

  • •New 1.3 TCe turbocharged petrol engine replacing the troublesome 1.2 TCe with 140hp and 160hp outputs
  • •Introduction of 1.7 Blue dCi diesel engine with selective catalytic reduction and AdBlue injection
  • •Software and hardware revisions to R-Link 2 supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone replication

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !AdBlue SCR tank heater or NOx sensor emission monitoring faults on diesel variants
  • !Front tyre outer shoulder scrubbing from repeated roundabout and parking steering friction
  • !Rear coil spring fracture at lower pigtail coil
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 2018 Renault Scenic Mk4

  • Ensure the 1.3 TCe engine runs smoothly without hesitations on warm restarts
  • On Blue dCi models, check the instrument cluster for AdBlue countdown warnings or emissions alerts
  • Inspect the panoramic fixed glass roof (where fitted) for stone chips or seal lifting along the front header rail
20172019–2021
Check a 2018 Renault Scenic Mk4 by Registration