Faults:

Within weeks of delivery the engine emitted a howling noise when the gears shifted from 3rd to 2nd gear. By the second mandatory service, the car was deemed unsafe to drive and a loose "bolt" was removed from within the engine and replaced. The dealer was sketchy on the details.

The rear shock absorber experienced significant wear and tear and was replaced. In Australia obtaining parts proved challenging.

In late 2003, the vehicle engine exploded and caught fire, the car has subsequently been written off, the cause of the fire is not clear although it would appear the fuel line broke. From what I understand this is not a common occurence.

General Comments:

Prior to the fire, the vehicle was great to drive and a perfect family car, innovative design, comfortable, excellent brakes, good safety features and reasonably economical. Unfortunately the after sale support and care does not live up to expectations.

After the fire I would describe the vehicle as a great design, but with obvious quality control issues.

Faults:

I bought the Renault Scenic RX4 because it seemed like a safe, reliable car.

So far it has lived up to expectations except for the fact that it shudders in second gear.

When I advised the car dealer about this matter, I was told that the gears were tight and that it would sort itself out once the car had done more than 10,000 kilometres.

The car has now done more than 12,000k.

When I returned to the car dealer I was told that these cars "sludge" a bit in second gear!?

The problem only seems to occur when changing down in gears i.e. from third to second, and when going round a round-about or corner whilst needing to slow down.

General Comments:

Is there anyone out there with a similar problem, and can it be fixed?

My main concern is that this shudder is hurting the engine and I wonder how long the engine will last.

Faults:

Whole Transmission was replaced with 44000 KM.

Air Bag Warning stickers cannot handle Australia Heat.

General Comments:

I was looking for a Family Car (have two your kids) with some 4WD capabilities. I do like European cars since they do handle better than Japanese ones. The vehicle is almost perfect in that sense, pity about the engine. The engine cannot handle even soft 4WD work (like sand/dunes), the lack of low range makes the whole issue worse.

The 4WD System is not really all time, it drives the front and will engage the rear via a Viscous LSD after the front skids (which does not happen because of the traction control)..so it does not give the same assurance as for example the All Wheel Drive System from Subaru.

Faults:

Driver's seat replaced under warranty because the stitching came apart.

Right-hand headlight replaced under warranty. A spider had spun a web in the internal light bulb housing! This could not be removed without causing damage.

General Comments:

The Scenic is an excellent family vehicle. Perfect for young children.

This is the first European car I've owned (previously all Japanese). One of my concerns when making the decision to buy was reliability. Thus far the Scenic has exceeded my expectation in this regard. The engine and other mechanicals have been completely trouble free.

I'm also impressed with the 1.6 engine, which is very capable for its 'small' size.

Faults:

Air Bags warning stickers on both sun visors were not made to resist the Australian hot summer.

When first start in the morning (cold) very difficult to engage reverse gear.

General Comments:

Better of both words. Flexible enough to take the family and allow you to adventure in some trails (soft).

The dual sunroof is must.

The 4WD System is not really All Wheel Drive like the Subaru, it works well, but on wet roads I would feel better using the Subaru system.

What happen to the 101 Kw? It does not show...