2011 Renault Scenic 1.5L Diesel · OV61 OBN

A pattern of front suspension and steering wear dominates the mechanical history of this 2011 Renault Scenic, with two MOT failures in successive years linked directly to those component groups. The 2022 test recorded a fractured offside rear coil spring alongside a worn offside front track rod end, while the 2024 test failed on nearside front track rod end play plus nearside and offside front suspension arm ball joint wear. Notably, the 2025 pass and failure on the same date shows that a fractured nearside rear coil spring was identified even after a clean pass was issued, suggesting either an immediate re-test or administrative re-issue. The advisories reinforce the trend: steering rack inner joint play was flagged in 2024, anti-roll bar linkage play appeared in 2022, and offside track rod end play was noted in 2021. Taken together, the record points to progressive wear across the front axle geometry rather than isolated incidents. With 116,556 miles accumulated over approximately 15 years, the annual mileage of around 7,770 is broadly typical for the vehicle's age, though the clustering of test entries between August and September of each year suggests consistent year-round use rather than seasonal or short journeys. There are no multi-year gaps in the testing record that would indicate prolonged standing, so corrosion concerns are more likely to relate to age and underbody exposure than to inactivity. The mileage level itself places additional demand on consumables such as dampers, bushes, anti-roll bar links, and brake components, which is consistent with the type of wear appearing in the test history. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas are the front suspension and steering assembly. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn lower arm ball joints, anti-roll bar drop links, or bushes. Check for vague steering, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, or a tendency to wander, all of which would suggest renewed track rod end or steering rack inner joint deterioration. Visually inspect the front lower control arms for perished or split rubber bushes, examine the anti-roll bar linkages for free movement at the joints, and look for any movement when the wheels are rocked by hand with the vehicle raised. The rear coil spring failures in both 2022 and 2025 mean the remaining rear springs should be examined for signs of corrosion at the lower coils, as fractured springs on this generation of Scenic are often linked to surface corrosion weakening the metal. Beyond the steering and suspension, a thorough inspection should also cover the brakes and underbody, given the mileage and age. Check for binding calipers or uneven pad wear, which can manifest as the vehicle pulling under braking or a hot wheel after driving. Inspect the underbody, subframe, and brake pipes for any corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and along fuel and brake lines where road salt accumulates. Listen for exhaust leaks or blowing, and verify there are no oil leaks from the engine or transmission onto the subframe. Finally, given that two rear coil springs have failed within three years, confirm whether both sides have been replaced together, as a single-sided replacement often leaves the opposite spring close to the end of its service life and a likely candidate for the next MOT failure.