Renault

Renault Scenic (2016)

1,092 real MOT outcomes analysed • 84.6% first-time pass rate

2016 Renault Scenic

CarHunch analysed 1,092 real MOT records for the 2016 Renault Scenic. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2016 Renault Scenic passes MOT slightly above the UK average at 84%, but nearly 27% of these vehicles have recorded at least one dangerous defect during their MOT history—a notably high figure that should concern potential buyers. The diesel version (which accounts for the vast majority of this cohort) performs at 83.9%, broadly in line with the overall result.

At an average mileage of 43,000 km for an eight-year-old car, these Scenics are running below the typical UK wear pattern, yet they're still racking up an average of 1.44 failures and 9.5 advisories per test—suggesting underlying reliability issues unrelated to heavy use. Before committing to one, get a full pre-purchase inspection and specifically ask a mechanic to check the suspension, braking system, and any previous MOT failure records, since the danger defect rate is substantially above normal.

The 2016 Renault Scenic has a decent first-time pass rate (84.6%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
84.6%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
26.8%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.44
Over 8.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
39k
Middle half: 30k–55k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 9.5 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,092 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 1,092 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 41.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 27.1%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 13.4%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
Suspension & steering 9.4%
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,092 Renault Scenic cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Renault Scenic

Based on MOT data from 1,092 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 26.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (93%) 1,017 84.4% 1.46
Petrol (7%) 75 87.5% 1.12

Colour Breakdown

Based on 171,324 Renault Scenic vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 23.4%
40,034
Blue 23.3%
39,954
Red 13.2%
22,658
Grey 10.7%
18,300
Black 9.5%
16,279
Green 6.1%
10,524
Beige 6%
10,339
Gold 4%
6,907
Bronze 1.6%
2,685
White 1.1%
1,852
Yellow 0.7%
1,283
Maroon 0.3%
509

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Renault Scenic vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

39,499
typical
29,664
low mileage
54,719
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Renault Scenic vehicles fall between 29,664 and 54,719 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 29,664 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
29,664–54,719 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Renault Scenics sit.
Over 73,870 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Renault Scenic — Still on the Road

Almost all 2016 Renault Scenics are still on the road.

Strong survival — 1,017 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 97% of the peak.

1,045 1,017 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

8.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.44
Avg failures per vehicle
9.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Renault Scenic: All Scenic years → Which year to buy? →
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019

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Watch for defects — worth knowing