Renault Scenic E-Tech 87 kWh Mk5

A factory recall affecting Scenic E-Tech vehicles built between 10 April 2024 and 16 January 2025. An incorrectly angled position sensor inside the parking brake actuator can cause the stopping pin to be placed incorrectly, with the result that the parking brake may not properly engage when the driver presses P, releases the seatbelt or opens the driver door. The Assisted Parking Brake (APB) system still allows the car to be immobilised, so this is not an immediate runaway risk, but it is a genuine safety recall. Repair is free at any Renault dealer and replaces the affected actuator components. The recall covers a wider Renault family (Captur II, Megane E-Tech, Austral, Espace VI, Rafale). For any used Scenic E-Tech in this build window, confirm the recall has been completed via the VIN before purchase.

A separate recall (code 0EY9) covers Scenic E-Tech vehicles manufactured between 12 April 2024 and 7 May 2025. The recall addresses an electronic system defect classified as carrying an injury risk in EU recall documentation. The remedy involves a workshop intervention at a Renault dealer, typically a software reflash and component check. Repair is free under recall. Given the wide production window, the majority of early Scenic E-Tech 87 kWh cars on the used market fall within the affected range. Always request the VIN check certificate from a Renault dealer showing both 0EWQ and 0EY9 have been completed before purchase.

Owners have reported the Scenic going to sleep anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours after starting to charge on a three-pin granny cable, sometimes requiring repeated wake-ups to complete a charge. Renault has acknowledged this as a known issue and released software updates to improve power management. The underlying 12V auxiliary battery, common to all CMF-EV cars, can drain prematurely if the car sits unused or if parasitic draw is elevated. A weak 12V can trigger 'Battery charging impossible' errors and prevent the high-voltage system from waking up. The 12V battery costs around €100-150 for the part plus €50-100 dealer fitting. A monthly trickle charge (CTEK or similar) is a cheap preventive.

The OpenR Link system, based on Android Automotive, has the same family of issues seen on the Megane E-Tech. Long-term reviewers report that wireless Apple CarPlay refuses to connect on some journeys with no clear pattern, and the smartphone app sometimes fails to pre-condition the cabin. The system controls climate, navigation and reversing camera, so a freeze is more than a cosmetic issue. Renault pushes regular FOTA (firmware over the air) updates that have progressively improved stability. Always verify the car is running the latest OpenR Link version before purchase. Hardware failure is rare; most fixes are a software reflash at a dealer for around €100-200.

Some CMF-EV owners report 'DC charging impossible' warnings and intermittent AC charging failures. In most cases the cause is a weak 12V battery or a software issue resolved by a workshop update (not always over the air). Genuine onboard charger (OBC) hardware failure is uncommon and is covered under Renault's 8-year EV powertrain warranty on all early Scenic E-Tech cars. Outside warranty the OBC replacement is approximately €1,000-1,200 including labour. Before buying, plug into both a domestic socket and a wallbox and verify AC charging starts without error, and ideally do a DC fast-charge session.

Owners report that the charge port flap occasionally fails to open even with the car unlocked, requiring a lock-unlock cycle. The tailgate-release button inside the car has been criticised for an awkward press-and-hold sequence. The passenger-side front charge port placement is unusual and can make some home wallbox setups awkward. None of these are safety issues, but the charge port flap fault is the most common irritation and is usually resolved by a software update or actuator replacement under warranty. Out of warranty, an actuator replacement is around €150-250.

On the Megane E-Tech, false alarms were a widespread complaint, particularly in cold weather or when the key card is in close proximity. Scenic E-Tech reports are far fewer so far, suggesting Renault improved the alarm hardware and software before the Scenic launch. The issue remains a possibility on the shared CMF-EV architecture. Workarounds include disabling the ultrasonic interior sensors via a 5-press sequence, or dealer software deactivation. Out-of-warranty alarm unit replacement costs €200-400 if required.