Citroën SpaceTourer 1(K0) — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Since June 2016 the Citroën SpaceTourer has shared its technical base with the Jumpy and with its corporate siblings Peugeot Traveller, Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Life and Toyota Proace Verso – all four roll off the same line and carry identical engines, transmissions and body parts. Anyone shopping for a used SpaceTourer is effectively buying one of five badge-engineered twins, and sister-brand forum experiences transfer almost one to one.
The diesel line-up started in 2016 with the 1.6-litre BlueHDi (70 to 85 kW), which was replaced from 2018 by the 1.5-litre BlueHDi (75 and 88 kW). For heavier conversions and full loads, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi with 106, 110 or 130 kW is worth a look – the top unit, badged BlueHDi 180 and paired with the eight-speed EAT8 automatic, is the only engine in the line-up that is genuinely enjoyable and gives the three-tonne van confident pulling power. Since October 2025 a brand-new 2.2-litre diesel rated at 132 kW has joined the range – a completely new engine with no ownership history yet and no reliable long-term data. Since 2020 there is also the ë-SpaceTourer with a 100 kW electric motor and a 50 or 75 kWh battery (roughly 47.5 and 69 kWh usable respectively) – the smaller pack suits everyday local driving, while the 75 kWh version is the far more relaxed choice for the larger body styles with a full load.
Mechanically, the dual-mass flywheel and clutch on manual versions stand out: in several independently documented cases – notably in camper conversions such as the Pössl Campster – the clutch failed as early as 72,000 to roughly 100,000 kilometres, with repair costs around 3,000 euros. Owners of the EAT8 automatic report hesitant or missing upshifts below around 8 degrees Celsius – known but not universal. The electric sliding doors are sensitive to a weak starter battery and then lock up completely; a control-unit reset via disconnecting the battery usually fixes it. When converted into a camper, the standard rear suspension quickly reaches its limits and sits almost on the bump stops under full load – auxiliary air suspension for around 2,000 euros brings clear relief. The climate control distribution box can also fail on one side, leaving only warm air on one half of the cabin; the repair requires removing the dashboard and costs 1,500 to 3,000 euros depending on the workshop.
The SpaceTourer is unusually recall-heavy: from steering and suspension fastener issues through seatbelts to the AdBlue system and the air-conditioning compressor, the list of recall campaigns since 2016 runs into dozens of actions. Checking the recall history via the German KBA database using the chassis number is therefore strongly advised before buying. In the GTÜ defect statistics the SpaceTourer landed among the worst-performing vans in the four-to-five-year age bracket, with an above-average defect rate of 18.63.
Overall this is an affordable, spacious van with solid base engines – check the recall history, feel for a fresh clutch on manual gearboxes, and watch the rear suspension in camper conversions.
177 PS
SpaceTourer BlueHDi 180 · Diesel
The only one with real drive
Fun to Drive!180 PS
2.2L Multijet 3 Diesel
5 weaknesses
Good Choice102–120 PS
1.5L BlueHDi Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Citroën SpaceTourer 1 is available with 9 engine variants — from 95 to 180 hp.
The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel comes from a newly developed, group-wide engine family that Stellantis first introduced in a large van model from 2021 and has since gradually rolled out to further commercial-vehicle lines. Exhaust aftertreatment with an AdBlue/SCR catalyst, particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation is designed for the current Euro 6e-bis standard and is correspondingly complex. Early experience reports from the motorhome and van segment with the closely related engine mention frequent particulate-filter regenerations under predominantly short-trip use, occasional AdBlue sensor malfunctions, and noticeable fuel dilution of the engine oil caused by the active regeneration cycles. The camshaft is driven by a timing belt whose replacement interval should be strictly observed. The engine is still young in the market, and solid long-term experience specific to this application is not yet available – checking the digital service book is worthwhile when buying used.
- !! Fuel dilution of engine oil from active regeneration
On the closely related Ducato version of this engine, one owner documented a diesel content of 4.4% (plus 0.3% biodiesel) in the engine oil after just 4,700 km. The cause is unusually short particulate-filter regeneration intervals of around 230 km instead of the usual 400–500 km, during which extra fuel enters the oil.
Symptoms: White exhaust smoke on cold start, knocking noises under load, noticeable power loss on acceleration, gummed-up oil filler neck, conspicuously frequent DPF regenerations. - !! Particulate filter clogging under short-trip use
On the closely related Ducato version of this engine, the diesel particulate filter is particularly affected under predominantly short-distance driving: regeneration cycles fail to complete, and the filter clogs up, eventually requiring cleaning or replacement.
Symptoms: Particulate filter warning light, prompts for a regeneration drive, loss of power, increased fuel consumption, possible limp mode if the filter is severely clogged. - ! EGR valve carbon buildup
On the closely related Ducato version of this engine, soot deposits on the exhaust gas recirculation valve cause it to become blocked. The valve then sticks in one position, affecting engine running and emissions.
Symptoms: Rough idling, fluctuating idle speed, loss of power, check-engine light with an EGR-related fault code.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern PSA diesel (1.5L BlueHDi) with common-rail, SCR catalyst, and AdBlue. Fuel-efficient and torquey, but the camshaft chain (only 7 mm wide) is the biggest weak point — Stellantis extended the warranty to 10 years/240,000 km. Always check whether the 8 mm chain update has been performed. The AdBlue system and DPF are prone to issues with short-trip driving. The high-pressure fuel pump can seize from fuel contamination.
- !! Premature timing chain wear — subject to recall from 80,000 km
The only 7 mm wide timing chain stretches prematurely and can snap. Oil dilution from short-trip use accelerates the problem. Stellantis has initiated a mega recall covering 141,700 vehicles in Germany.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, engine management light, rough engine running, in the worst case sudden engine shutdown from chain snap while driving - !! High-pressure pump seizes from 40,000 km
The Bosch high-pressure pump on the DV5 can seize, particularly on vehicles with fewer than 50,000 km. Metal swarf enters the fuel system and requires replacement of the entire injection system.
Symptoms: Engine no longer starts or stalls while driving, engine management light, metallic noise from engine bay, power loss shortly before total failure - !! Timing chain recall — warranty extension
Stellantis has extended the warranty to 10 years / 240,000 km (since July 2025). A software update increases oil pressure and a special oil change is performed. Chain replacement free of charge if required.
Symptoms: Affected vehicles receive a recall notification. Workshop performs diagnosis, checks chain stretch via camshaft/crankshaft sensor comparison.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Stronger BlueHDi variant of the 1.6-litre diesel (88 kW) with SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue. Punchy and economical, often paired with the EAT6 automatic. Shares the typical DV6 weak points: turbocharger oil feed line, injector seals and EGR coking. The AdBlue system (NOx sensor, pump, dosing valve) is an additional failure source compared to the predecessor. Timing belt replacement per manufacturer schedule is essential.
- !! AdBlue tank sender faulty — start lockout from 80,000 km
Identical issue to the BlueHDi 100: the integrated level sensor in the urea tank fails and cannot be replaced individually. Without goodwill or warranty, tank replacement costs up to €1,200. Cold winters accelerate crystallisation problems.
Symptoms: Warning message 'Check AdBlue', countdown on instrument cluster, start lockout after several cycles - !! Turbocharger actuator faulty — boost pressure loss from 130,000 km
The electric turbo actuator on the BlueHDi 120 can fail and lock the turbocharger in one position. This results in permanent boost loss or excessive boost pressure. Repair often requires replacing the complete turbocharger.
Symptoms: Limp mode, weak acceleration, boost pressure faults P0234/P0299, turbo whistling noise - !! EGR system: valve and cooler contaminated from 90,000 km
On the BlueHDi-120, soot builds up intensively in the EGR valve and cooler. Technical reports list EGR damage among the five most common workshop jobs on this engine, alongside injector, FAP and turbo problems. Cleaning every 60,000 km prevents consequential damage.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, limp mode, increased consumption, hesitation at part load
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern PSA diesel (1.5L BlueHDi) with common-rail, SCR catalyst, and AdBlue. Fuel-efficient and torquey, but the camshaft chain (only 7 mm wide) is the biggest weak point — Stellantis extended the warranty to 10 years/240,000 km. Always check whether the 8 mm chain update has been performed. The AdBlue system and DPF are prone to issues with short-trip driving. The high-pressure fuel pump can seize from fuel contamination.
- !! Premature timing chain wear — subject to recall from 80,000 km
The only 7 mm wide timing chain stretches prematurely and can snap. Oil dilution from short-trip use accelerates the problem. Stellantis has initiated a mega recall covering 141,700 vehicles in Germany.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, engine management light, rough engine running, in the worst case sudden engine shutdown from chain snap while driving - !! High-pressure pump seizes from 40,000 km
The Bosch high-pressure pump on the DV5 can seize, particularly on vehicles with fewer than 50,000 km. Metal swarf enters the fuel system and requires replacement of the entire injection system.
Symptoms: Engine no longer starts or stalls while driving, engine management light, metallic noise from engine bay, power loss shortly before total failure - !! Timing chain recall — warranty extension
Stellantis has extended the warranty to 10 years / 240,000 km (since July 2025). A software update increases oil pressure and a special oil change is performed. Chain replacement free of charge if required.
Symptoms: Affected vehicles receive a recall notification. Workshop performs diagnosis, checks chain stretch via camshaft/crankshaft sensor comparison.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Stronger 150 hp variant (110 kW) of the 2.0 HDi or BlueHDi. Punchy and strong on torque, ideal for heavier vehicles and long-distance driving. From 2014 onwards available as BlueHDi with SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue. Timing belt replacement with water pump should be planned every 160,000 km. Injectors and turbocharger are the main wear items. AdBlue system is an additional failure source on BlueHDi versions.
- !! Timing belt — interference engine from 100,000 km
Interference engine: timing belt snap leads to piston-to-valve collision. Manufacturer recommends 80,000–120,000 km or 5 years. Used C5 II vehicles frequently lack complete service records. Having the kit on hand saves time at the workshop.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall, no restart, metallic rumbling. - !! DPF/FAP — clogging from short-trip use from 120,000 km
PSA FAP system with Eolys additive: the particulate filter only regenerates at sufficient temperature (motorway driving). Short-trip use prevents complete regeneration and the filter clogs. Failed regeneration attempts increase oil dilution.
Symptoms: FAP warning light, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode. - !! Turbocharger — bearing damage from carbon from 130,000 km
The VNT turbo suffers from carbon build-up from the EGR system. Vanes lock up, bearings wear from insufficient oil supply with extended change intervals. Repair costs €500–1,500.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under acceleration, power loss, blue exhaust, oil in the intake hose.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Stronger 150 hp variant (110 kW) of the 2.0 HDi or BlueHDi. Punchy and strong on torque, ideal for heavier vehicles and long-distance driving. From 2014 onwards available as BlueHDi with SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue. Timing belt replacement with water pump should be planned every 160,000 km. Injectors and turbocharger are the main wear items. AdBlue system is an additional failure source on BlueHDi versions.
- !! Timing belt — interference engine from 100,000 km
Interference engine: timing belt snap leads to piston-to-valve collision. Manufacturer recommends 80,000–120,000 km or 5 years. Used C5 II vehicles frequently lack complete service records. Having the kit on hand saves time at the workshop.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall, no restart, metallic rumbling. - !! DPF/FAP — clogging from short-trip use from 120,000 km
PSA FAP system with Eolys additive: the particulate filter only regenerates at sufficient temperature (motorway driving). Short-trip use prevents complete regeneration and the filter clogs. Failed regeneration attempts increase oil dilution.
Symptoms: FAP warning light, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode. - !! Turbocharger — bearing damage from carbon from 130,000 km
The VNT turbo suffers from carbon build-up from the EGR system. Vanes lock up, bearings wear from insufficient oil supply with extended change intervals. Repair costs €500–1,500.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under acceleration, power loss, blue exhaust, oil in the intake hose.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Top diesel (133 kW) with SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue for Euro 6 compliance. Very punchy with high torque, usually paired with the EAT8 automatic. Ideal for heavy SUVs and long-distance vehicles. Timing belt replacement with water pump should be planned every 160,000 km. Injectors, VGT turbocharger and AdBlue system (NOx sensor, pump) are the main wear items. Oil changes strictly per specification.
- !! AdBlue/SCR system — tank and pump failure from 80,000 km
BlueHDi engines with SCR urea injection suffer from faulty AdBlue tanks and pumps, especially in winter. The faulty tank unit (pump and sensor integrated) cannot be replaced separately — cost €1,000–2,000. Engine will not start after failure.
Symptoms: AdBlue warning light, engine warning light, start lockout after countdown warning, fault codes. - !! Timing belt — interference engine requiring special tooling from 100,000 km
The BlueHDi DW10F variant is an interference engine. Timing belt replacement requires specific PSA special tools (NTN-SNR kit). Incorrect installation leads to engine damage. Interval: 5 years or 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall, metallic noises, no restart on snap. - !! DPF — regeneration failure and oil dilution from 100,000 km
BlueHDi DPF regenerates actively via post-injection. With insufficient running time, unburnt fuel passes into the engine oil (oil dilution). Regular oil level checks and motorway drives for regeneration are mandatory.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, oil level rising, engine warning light, strong diesel smell in oil.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Stronger BlueHDi variant of the 1.6-litre diesel (88 kW) with SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue. Punchy and economical, often paired with the EAT6 automatic. Shares the typical DV6 weak points: turbocharger oil feed line, injector seals and EGR coking. The AdBlue system (NOx sensor, pump, dosing valve) is an additional failure source compared to the predecessor. Timing belt replacement per manufacturer schedule is essential.
- !! AdBlue tank sender faulty — start lockout from 80,000 km
Identical issue to the BlueHDi 100: the integrated level sensor in the urea tank fails and cannot be replaced individually. Without goodwill or warranty, tank replacement costs up to €1,200. Cold winters accelerate crystallisation problems.
Symptoms: Warning message 'Check AdBlue', countdown on instrument cluster, start lockout after several cycles - !! Turbocharger actuator faulty — boost pressure loss from 130,000 km
The electric turbo actuator on the BlueHDi 120 can fail and lock the turbocharger in one position. This results in permanent boost loss or excessive boost pressure. Repair often requires replacing the complete turbocharger.
Symptoms: Limp mode, weak acceleration, boost pressure faults P0234/P0299, turbo whistling noise - !! EGR system: valve and cooler contaminated from 90,000 km
On the BlueHDi-120, soot builds up intensively in the EGR valve and cooler. Technical reports list EGR damage among the five most common workshop jobs on this engine, alongside injector, FAP and turbo problems. Cleaning every 60,000 km prevents consequential damage.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, limp mode, increased consumption, hesitation at part load
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
First PSA electric motor (100 kW) on the CMP platform with a 50 kWh battery and 340-362 km WLTP range. DC charging up to 100 kW. The Mahle OBC (onboard charger) from 2019-2022 production years is the most notorious weak point — only the switch to the VMAX OBC from mid-2022 brought relief. 12V battery drains when parked for extended periods. Heat pump compressor is the most expensive single repair. Keep software updates current.
- !! High-voltage battery — capacity loss and SoH issues from 80,000 km
Some ë-C4/ë-Berlingo units show a state of health below 100% straight from the factory. The usable capacity of the nominally 50 kWh battery is realistically only around 45 kWh. In winter, range drops to 60–70% of the rated figure. Annual degradation rate approximately 1–2%.
Symptoms: Significantly lower range than stated, range estimate unreliable. - !! BMS software — recall due to loss of drive
Stellantis recalled ë-C4 and ë-Berlingo vehicles due to faulty software calibration in the traction battery control unit. The fault causes incorrect cell voltage or temperature readings and can trigger loss of drive while moving. A software update at the dealership is required.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive while moving, warning message 'electric traction system'. - !! Charging system — AC charging fault and infotainment freeze
On the ë-C4 problems with AC charging (Type 2) occur while DC CCS charging works. Software updates can temporarily disable charging capability, radio, reversing camera, and navigation. A dealer visit is required to resolve the issue.
Symptoms: Charging aborts, infotainment unresponsive, charge flap won't open, fault warning light.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall series: front/rear axle and steering assembly errors (2016–2024) Dozens of KBA recalls cover incorrectly torqued axle bolts, wishbones, ball joints, wheel bolts, coil springs and the steering rod assembly. Unrepaired vehicles carry an elevated risk of suspension or steering failure. Symptoms: Rattling from the chassis, unusual steering behaviour or a swinging rear end can be warning signs, though the defect often stays unnoticed until the part actually breaks. | Low | |
| Recall series: seatbelts, buckle and seat anchoring (2015–2024) Several KBA recalls cover incorrectly bolted or wired seatbelts, front passenger seatbelt buckles that can open by themselves, and inadequate seat anchoring. | Low | |
| Recall series: brake hoses, brake calipers, parking brake, brake discs (2016–2025) Repeated KBA recalls cover incorrectly fastened rear brake hoses, faulty rear brake calipers with reduced parking-brake effect, and defective brake calipers and discs. Symptoms: A longer stopping distance, pulling while braking, or a stiff or ineffective parking brake can indicate the defect. | Low | |
| Recall series: wiring harnesses, fire risk and software errors (2016–2026) Numerous KBA recalls cover overheating starter relays, wiring short circuits, rear window cable harnesses, the high-voltage harness on EV versions, and software errors affecting eCall and driver-assistance systems. Symptoms: A burning smell, smoke in the engine bay or at the rear, failed displays or a sudden engine stall are possible signs. | Low | |
| Recall: ë-SpaceTourer high-voltage wiring harness out of specification KBA recall JFN (09/2022): The high-voltage wiring harness of the ë-SpaceTourer does not meet specification, creating an increased risk of short circuit and fire. Affects 2022-built vehicles; the harness is inspected and replaced. | Low | |
| Recall series: body sealing leaks and water ingress (2015–2019) Several KBA recalls cover leaking body seals around the wheel arches and windscreen area that let water into the cabin and can affect the airbag control unit. Symptoms: Moisture or water in the footwell, windows misting up from the inside, and sporadic airbag warning-light faults can occur. | Low | |
| Recall series: A/C compressor mount, pulley and drivetrain shutdown (2016–2022) KBA recalls cover a breaking A/C compressor mounting bracket, a faulty pulley, and a compressor fault that can shut down the drivetrain entirely. Symptoms: Unusual noise from the A/C compressor, reduced cooling, or a sudden shutdown of the air conditioning or the drivetrain are possible signs. | Low | |
| Recall series: fuel lines, piston damage, engine and drivetrain shutdown (2015–2023) KBA recalls cover fuel lines that can loosen with a leak risk, defectively manufactured pistons causing engine damage, a software issue that fails to detect excessive oil temperature, and a BMU software fault that can shut down the drivetrain while driving. Symptoms: Loss of power, the engine stalling while driving, a fuel smell, or starting problems are possible signs of this series. | Low | |
| Recall series: AdBlue tank, SCR calibration and emissions diagnostics (2016–2024) Several KBA recalls cover a faulty urea tank, incorrectly calibrated urea-pump diagnostics, and faulty IUPR and diesel particulate filter parameters that miss emissions requirements. Symptoms: A permanent AdBlue warning light, a start refusal once the countdown expires, or unexpected SCR catalyst behaviour can occur. | Low |
Test Reports
GTÜ / autozeitung.de
In a joint evaluation of around five million main inspections by GTÜ, the Citroën SpaceTourer landed among the worst-performing vans in the four-to-five-year age bracket with a defect rate of 18.63.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 53 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën SpaceTourer 1 (2016–2026) — 37 engine-related and 16 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: DV6-BlueHDi120 (1.6L BlueHDi 120), DW10-150 (2.0L HDi/BlueHDi 150), EM-100 (Elektro 100kW), DV5 (1.5L BlueHDi). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Electronics, HVAC. Considered reliable: Multijet3-2.2 (2.2L Multijet 3).
SpaceTourer (DV6-BlueHDi120, 2016–2018) — Stay Away!: AdBlue tank sender faulty — start lockout, Turbocharger actuator faulty — boost pressure loss, EGR system: valve and cooler contaminated. Power: 95–99 PS.
SpaceTourer (DV6-BlueHDi120, 2016–2018) — Stay Away!: AdBlue tank sender faulty — start lockout, Turbocharger actuator faulty — boost pressure loss, EGR system: valve and cooler contaminated. Power: 116–120 PS.
SpaceTourer (DW10-150, 2016–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing belt — interference engine, DPF/FAP — clogging from short-trip use, Turbocharger — bearing damage from carbon. Power: 150 PS.
SpaceTourer (DW10-BlueHDi180, 2016–2025) — Be Careful: AdBlue/SCR system — tank and pump failure, Timing belt — interference engine requiring special tooling, DPF — regeneration failure and oil dilution. Power: 177 PS.
SpaceTourer (DV5, 2018–2021) — Stay Away!: Premature timing chain wear — subject to recall, High-pressure pump seizes, Timing chain recall — warranty extension. Power: 120 PS.
SpaceTourer (DW10-150, 2020–2021) — Stay Away!: Timing belt — interference engine, DPF/FAP — clogging from short-trip use, Turbocharger — bearing damage from carbon. Power: 144–150 PS.
SpaceTourer (EM-100, 2020–2026) — Stay Away!: High-voltage battery — capacity loss and SoH issues, BMS software — recall due to loss of drive, Charging system — AC charging fault and infotainment freeze. Power: 136 PS.
What to watch out for with the Citroën SpaceTourer? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Citroën SpaceTourer 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Citroën SpaceTourer 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Citroën SpaceTourer 1 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Citroën SpaceTourer 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Citroën SpaceTourer 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Citroën SpaceTourer 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee