According to Au7o's analysis of 175+ owner reports, the 2011 Renault Scenic has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Electric Parking Brake Failure ($300-$800 repair) and 1.5 dCi Piston Rings Gum Up From EGR Soot — Oil Consumption, Smoke and Power Loss ($1,200-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2003-2016 Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi (K9K), the K9K 1.5 dCi fitted across Scenic II and III generations suffers progressive carbon fouling driven by the EGR system. Soot recirculated into the intake coats the inlet tract and combustion chambers and works down into the piston ring grooves, where it hardens. The compression rings gum up and stick, and the oil scraper rings clog with a gummy oil/carbon mixture, so the engine loses compression, starts burning oil and pulls badly despite otherwise healthy injectors. A documented UK strip-down of a high-mileage Scenic 1.5 dCi found hard carbon packed into the ring grooves and scraper rings coated in gummy residue, alongside big-end shells worn through the white metal to the copper. The classic misdiagnosis is chasing injectors first: a leak-off test can legitimately condemn one or two injectors, but replacing them and servicing the engine still leaves the car down on power because the rings, not the fuelling, are the limit.
Common Symptoms
Rising engine oil consumption
Blue or grey smoke under load
Persistent lack of power after injector replacement
Oil found in the inlet tract
Dashboard fault messages during acceleration
Low compression on one or more cylinders
How to Fix
Attack the cause before the symptom: keep EGR deposits down with regular short-interval oil changes on the correct low-SAPS oil, periodic intake and EGR valve cleaning, and enough sustained higher-load running to keep temperatures up on short-trip cars. Where oil consumption and low compression have already set in, confirm with a compression and leak-down test — if compression is low and does not improve with a wet test, the rings are stuck and a top-end decoke will not restore it. At that point the honest options are a piston and ring overhaul (checking the big-end shells at the same time, as they wear alongside) or an engine change; a further set of injectors will not fix it.
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.
High Confidence75 owner reportsReviewed Invalid Date
Community reported
100 owners
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.
According to Au7o's analysis of 175+ owner reports, the 2011 Renault Scenic has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Parking Brake Failure, 1.5 dCi Piston Rings Gum Up From EGR Soot — Oil Consumption, Smoke and Power Loss, dCi Diesel Injector Copper Washer Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Renault Scenic reliable?
The 2011 Renault Scenic has 3 known issues documented across 175+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Electric Parking Brake Failure and 1.5 dCi Piston Rings Gum Up From EGR Soot — Oil Consumption, Smoke and Power Loss. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Renault Scenic problems?
Repair costs for known Renault Scenic issues range from $100 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electric Parking Brake Failure, typically costs $300-$800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2003-2024 Renault Scenic Electric Parking Brake Failure?
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. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2016 Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi Piston Rings Gum Up From EGR Soot — Oil Consumption, Smoke and Power Loss?
The K9K 1.5 dCi fitted across Scenic II and III generations suffers progressive carbon fouling driven by the EGR system. Soot recirculated into the intake coats the inlet tract and combustion chambers and works down into the piston ring grooves, where it hardens. The compression… Repairs typically run $1,200-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2022 Renault Scenic dCi Diesel Injector Copper Washer Leak?
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. R… Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
