2015 Renault Grand Scenic 1.5L Diesel · FT15 AAE

The 2015 Renault Grand Scénic presents a mechanical picture defined by recurring component failures rather than straightforward progressive degradation. Three distinct failed MOTs occurred within a seven-year span—2022, 2023, and 2025—each revealing different but equally serious systems, including critically thin brake pads, compromised rear wheel bearings, and deteriorating suspension joint integrity. The most recent test on 2025-08-07 returned a pass, yet this outcome sits atop a pattern where brake pad thickness dropped below critical limits twice consecutively (2022 and 2025) and rear wheel bearing play was noted in 2025, suggesting that even when vehicles clear their final test they may still carry latent structural vulnerabilities that manifest under specific driving conditions. With 67,375 miles recorded on a model first issued in 2015, the average annual accumulation of approximately 6,125 miles aligns with expected usage for its age, though the irregular spacing between MOT appointments—ranging from eight to fourteen month intervals—hints at inconsistent maintenance schedules rather than simply high mileage. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests alone exceeded ten months, while the 2025 failure emerged just two weeks prior to the August 2025 pass, indicating that warning signs were present but perhaps not fully addressed before the vehicle reached its next inspection point. This combination of moderate mileage and uneven service intervals means that wear on consumable items such as brake pads and suspension mounts appears to be progressing faster than would be predicted from the odometer alone, particularly given the repeated brake-related failures across separate years. The brake system warrants particular scrutiny because three separate MOTs recorded dangerously thin brake pad material, with measurements falling below the 1.5mm safety threshold in 2022, again in 2023, and most recently in early 2025. On a test drive, the driver should note whether the brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or exhibits a pulsating sensation when applying pressure, especially during hard stops or downhill descents, which could signal air ingress or near-complete pad consumption. Additionally, inspect the brake disc surfaces visually for excessive glazing or scoring, and verify that the parking brake engages firmly without dragging. These observations directly correlate with the recorded advisory entries and represent the most immediate functional risk to the vehicle's safe operation. Suspension integrity is compromised by a reported excessively worn offside front suspension rod pin or bush identified in the 2022 failure, and this type of joint degradation often manifests as a noticeable pull in the steering column or a clunking noise when negotiating potholes and bumps. During a test drive, pay close attention to any lateral or vertical movement of the steering wheel at speed, and feel for vibrations travelling up through the chassis when hitting rough bumps—these are classic indicators of a failing suspension linkage. Similarly, the persistent seat belt webbing damage affecting both front and rear rows, along with the removal of central second-row seat belts in earlier passes, suggests that the belt mounting hardware or attachment points may require replacement to ensure proper load distribution and compliance with safety standards. Addressing these specific components before purchase will help mitigate the likelihood of sudden failure during highway or city driving.