2003-2024 Renault Scenic Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2003-2024 model years · 175+ owner reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 175+ owner reports, the 2003-2024 Renault Scenic has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Electric Parking Brake Failure ($300-$800 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
On the 2003-2024 Renault Scenic, the Scenic electric parking brake system is a well-known failure point, with the motor-on-caliper units seizing or the control module losing communication. The brake may apply unexpectedly or fail to release.
Common Symptoms
- Parking brake warning light
- Brake applies unexpectedly
- Brake fails to release
- Grinding from rear
How to Fix
Replace the parking brake motor on the affected caliper. Update the parking brake ECU software. If both sides are affected, replace both caliper motors simultaneously.
On the 2003-2022 Renault Scenic, renault's K9K and M9R dCi diesel engines used in Scenic II/III/IV develop weeping injector seals as the copper crush washers fatigue with heat cycling. Diesel sweats around the injector body, often coating the head with soot/oil mix and seeping toward the head gasket fire ring. Replacement washers are cheap (€2-5 each) but require careful torquing per Renault procedure; ignored leaks eventually cause cylinder head damage requiring decoke or head rebuild.
Common Symptoms
- Diesel smell in cabin
- Black tar around injectors
- Rough idle
- Difficult starting when hot
How to Fix
Replace the copper injector sealing washers and clean the injector seats. If the injector body is leaking, replace the injector. Use a torque wrench to tighten to the correct specification.