Renault Espace 4
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
241 PS
3.5L V6 Benzin
V6 Spaceship
Decent163–181 PS
3.0L V6 dCi Diesel
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Renault Espace 4 is available with 7 engine variants — from 80 to 241 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Renault 1.9L dCi (Diesel, 116–120 PS) has the F9Q (1.9L dCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Renault 2.0L dCi (Diesel, 150–173 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M9R (2006–2014, Be Careful) and M9R (2006–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L dCi!
The Renault 2.2L dCi (Diesel, 139–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: G9T (2002–2007, Stay Away!) and G9T (2006–2010, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.2L dCi!
The Renault 3.0L V6 dCi (Diesel, 177–181 PS) has the P9X (3.0L V6 dCi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The Renault 2.0L 16V (Petrol, 136–140 PS) has the F4R (2.0L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Renault 2.0L Turbo (Petrol, 163–170 PS) has the F4Rt (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Renault 3.5L V6 (Petrol, 241 PS) has the V4Y (3.5L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension undersized for vehicle weight Ball joints, steering joints and control arms are not adequately dimensioned for the high vehicle weight and wear early. Control arms on the front axle can break in extreme cases. Symptoms: Rattling from the front, excessive steering play, MOT complaints about suspension joints from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Rear wheel steering electric motors defective The electric motors of the active rear wheel steering (on 4Control models) fail due to defects. Early models were particularly affected before Renault changed the supplier. Symptoms: Rear wheel steering warning light, changed driving behaviour, steering feels different | High | |
| Front control arms and suspension bushings wear early The high vehicle weight of the Espace IV considerably accelerates wear on control arm bushings, tie rod ends and wheel bearings. MOT defects due to excessive play are frequent. Symptoms: Knocking or creaking at the front on corners or during braking, steering wheel vibrations, MOT rejection due to suspension noise. from 100,000 km | Medium |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 41 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Espace 4 (2002–2014) — 32 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: G9T (2.2L dCi), P9X (3.0L V6 dCi). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Body, Electronics.
Espace (F9Q, 2002–2007) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Injector Failure, EGR and Intercooler Soot Deposits. Power: 116–120 PS.
Espace (G9T, 2002–2007) — Stay Away!: Short Engine Lifespan (80,000–120,000 km), Injector Needle Valve Destroys Piston, Garrett Turbo Failure. Power: 150 PS.
Espace (P9X, 2002–2010) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Liner Drop / Engine Failure, Oil Rings Worn / Oil Consumption, Timing Chain Stretch. Power: 177–181 PS.
Espace (G9T, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Short Engine Lifespan (80,000–120,000 km), Injector Needle Valve Destroys Piston, Garrett Turbo Failure. Power: 139 PS.
Espace (M9R, 2006–2014) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Boost Control Valve / Failure, Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage. Power: 150 PS.
Espace (M9R, 2006–2014) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Boost Control Valve / Failure, Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage. Power: 173 PS.
Espace (F4R, 2002–2014) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Replacement Involved and Costly, Oil Consumption from Coked Piston Rings, Ignition Coils Under Intake Manifold. Power: 136–140 PS.
Espace (F4Rt, 2002–2014) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure, Overheating Tendency, Difficult Warm Start from Fuel Pressure Loss. Power: 163–170 PS.
Espace (V4Y, 2002–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Catalytic converter substrate fracture (Nissan recall), VQ35DE: known oil consumption. Power: 241 PS.
What to watch out for with the Renault Espace? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee