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Renault · Van · 2015–2023 Custom Search

Renault Espace 5

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

224 PS

1.8L Turbo Benzin

Strongest Espace

Decent

Generations


Engine Overview

The Renault Espace 5 is available with 4 engine variants — from 131 to 224 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L dCi · Diesel· 131–160 PS Engine Change
2015 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2015 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2.0L dCi · Diesel· 160–200 PS Engine Change
2018 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2018 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2020 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.6L Turbo · Petrol· 200 PS
2015 2017
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.8L Turbo · Petrol· 224 PS
2017 2023
Be Careful 7 weaknesses

The Renault 1.6L dCi (Diesel, 131–160 PS) comes with 2 different engines: R9M (2015–2018, Be Careful) and R9M (2015–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L dCi!

The Renault 2.0L dCi (Diesel, 160–200 PS) comes with 3 different engines: M9R (2018–2023, Be Careful) and M9R (2018–2023, Be Careful) and M9R (2020–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L dCi!

The Renault 1.6L Turbo (Petrol, 200 PS) has the M5M (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Renault 1.8L Turbo (Petrol, 224 PS) has the M5P (1.8L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

Explore more

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rear wheel steering electric motors faulty

The electric actuators of the rear wheel steering fail particularly on early Espace V models. Renault subsequently switched supplier for later build years.

Symptoms: Rear wheel steering warning light, unusual driving behaviour, reduced steering assistance
High

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 28 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Espace 5 (2015–2023) — 21 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Other, Electronics.

Espace (R9M, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 131 PS.

Espace (R9M, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 160 PS.

Espace (M9R, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Boost Control Valve / Failure, Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage. Power: 160 PS.

Espace (M9R, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Boost Control Valve / Failure, Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage. Power: 200 PS.

Espace (M9R, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Boost Control Valve / Failure, Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage. Power: 189 PS.

Espace (M5M, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: Intake Port Carbon Build-Up (Direct Injection), Turbocharger Wear, EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder. Power: 200 PS.

Espace (M5P, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Metal Particles in Oil Pressure Control Valve (Recall), Recall: Oil Pressure Solenoid with Metal Particles, Fuel Pump Failure on Early Build Years. Power: 224 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Renault Espace 5 have? +
The Renault Espace 5 has 21 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Renault Espace 5? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M5M (1.6L Turbo), M5P (1.8L Turbo), M9R (2.0L dCi), R9M (1.6L dCi). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the M5P (1.8L Turbo).
Which Renault Espace 5 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Renault Espace 5 — rated: "Decent". {description} 225 hp 1.8 TCe — enough power for the large SUV. Comfortable, not dynamic.
Is the Renault Espace 5 worth buying used? +
The Renault Espace 5 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Espace 5? +
The Renault Espace 5 is available with engine variants from 131 to 224 hp. Petrol: M5M (1.6L Turbo), M5P (1.8L Turbo). Diesel: M9R (2.0L dCi), R9M (1.6L dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee