Used Renault Grand Scenic

What to know before buying: Renault Grand Scenic

From 4 video reviews and 1 press test · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The third-generation Grand Scenic combines seven seats and a large boot with relatively compact exterior dimensions.[1]one sourceGrand Scenic III
• The fourth generation retains MPV practicality with crossover-inspired styling. Five seats suit adults, while the third row is mainly for children.[3][4]Grand Scenic IV
• Despite its large 20-inch wheels, the ride is generally comfortable, though sharp or rough surfaces can make it feel firm and unsettled.[3][4]Grand Scenic IV
• The family-friendly cabin offers plentiful storage, a sliding centre console and easily folded rear seats that create a flat load floor.[3][4]Grand Scenic IV

Typical faults

• On the third generation, sharp edges on the tailgate trim can rub through paint; exposure to moisture and road salt particularly threatens the sills.[1]one sourceGrand Scenic III
• The third generation's filler-neck valve can stick almost closed, making fuel drain slowly and causing the pump nozzle to shut off prematurely.[1]one sourceGrand Scenic III
• On the third generation, parking-brake wiring can break near the rear-caliper connectors, while moisture may corrode the contacts and disable the actuators.[1]one sourceGrand Scenic III
• The fourth-generation tailgate can sag against the bumper or lamps, while its gas struts may stop supporting it after 3–5 years of use.[2]one sourceGrand Scenic IV
• The fourth generation can lose refrigerant through the lower pipe seals at the condenser, and the pipe itself may also crack.[2]one sourceGrand Scenic IV
• Pre-2019 1.6 dCi blocks can crack near the crankshaft supports, allowing coolant to mix with the engine oil.[2][5]Grand Scenic IV

  1.6 dCi

• The 1.2 TCe may develop oil consumption from stuck piston rings before 100,000 km.[2][5]Grand Scenic IV

  1.2 TCe

• In the EDC dual-clutch transmission, clutch wear contaminates the oil. Skipping oil and filter changes every 50,000 km can substantially shorten transmission life.[2][5]Grand Scenic IV

Which engine and version to take

• For the fourth generation, the 1.5 dCi is the recommended choice: sources describe it as improved, economical and durable, particularly when paired with the manual gearbox.[3][2][5]Grand Scenic IV
• The 1.3 TCe is the preferred fourth-generation petrol engine: the sources report no major concerns and consider it more reliable and livelier than the 1.2 TCe.[2][5]Grand Scenic IV
• The third generation's naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI and 2.0 petrol engines have no highlighted serious faults; surveyed owners reported trouble-free running to 200,000 km.[1]one sourceGrand Scenic III

What to avoid

• Avoid a fourth-generation 1.6 dCi unless the improved block is documented: pre-2019 blocks are reported to crack and mix coolant with the oil.[2][5]Grand Scenic IV
• The 1.2 TCe is best avoided because stuck piston rings can cause oil consumption before 100,000 km.[2][5]Grand Scenic IV

What to check at the inspection

• Before buying a fourth-generation car, verify its mileage through European dealer records and control-module data read with a Renault diagnostic scanner.[2]one sourceGrand Scenic IV
• Check whether the fourth-generation tailgate has sagged against the bumper or lamps and whether its gas struts securely support the heavy lid.[2][5]Grand Scenic IV
• Set both climate zones to 16.5°C and use the front vents; hot air on the driver's side and cold air on the passenger side can indicate low refrigerant or a software fault.[2]one sourceGrand Scenic IV
• When inspecting a 1.6 dCi, look for oil emulsion and proof of block replacement; from 2019, improved block numbers begin with E4, or D4 for the biturbo version.[2]one sourceGrand Scenic IV
• For an EDC transmission, require evidence of oil and filter changes every 50,000 km and assess its shifts during the test drive.[2][5]Grand Scenic IV
• On the third generation, inspect the tailgate-trim edges and surrounding paint for rubbing, then examine the underside of the sills for corrosion.[1]one sourceGrand Scenic III
• On the third generation, test the electric parking brake and inspect wiring and connectors at both rear calipers for breaks, moisture and oxidation.[1]one sourceGrand Scenic III

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]АвтоСтронг — 🥐 Недорого и ПОЧТИ БЕЗ НЕПРИЯТНОСТЕЙ: какие ПРОБЛЕМЫ скрывает Renault Grand Scenic 3. · ▶ video
2. [2]АвтоСтронг — 😲 Дешево и надёжно? Разбираемся с болячками и надёжностью Renault Grand Scenic 4. · ▶ video
3. [3]whatcar.lv — Renault Grand Scenic: pirmie iespaidi - What Car? - WhatCar.lv · press
4. [4]carwow — Renault Scenic & Grand Scenic 2017 review - can 7 seaters be cool? | Mat Watson reviews · ▶ video
5. [5]Auto Research Portugal — Обзор Renault Grand Scenic 2016-2022 I Почему популярен в Европе? · ▶ video

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