Renault Espace
Renault's strongest production four-cylinder, shared with the Alpine A110 — twin-scroll turbo, 1,798 cc, 280 or 300 hp. The engine sounds aggressive in Sport mode and has a broad, linear power band without a noticeable turbo lag. Two documented weaknesses: an official recall for the oil pressure solenoid valve with metal particles (build dates December 2017 to May 2019, 991 vehicles in Germany) and early fuel pump failures on pre-2020 examples — both addressed under warranty/goodwill. Oil change max every 10,000 km, EDC gearbox oil every 50,000 km.
Strongest Espace
225 hp 1.8 TCe — enough power for the large SUV. Comfortable, not dynamic.
Engine Weaknesses 7
Megane RS vehicles with M5P from the period December 2017 to May 2019 were subject to a recall: fine metal particles could accumulate in the oil pressure control valve and interrupt the oil supply, leading to engine damage.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, engine noise, possible engine damage
In production from December 2017 to May 2019 metal chips between the housing and oil pressure solenoid valve can reduce oil pressure. Result: insufficient engine lubrication through to engine failure. 991 vehicles in Germany, 6,719 worldwide affected.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, engine noises under load — often without warning until damage occurs
Early Mégane RS IV 280/300 (approximately 2018–2020 build year) can lose the fuel pump prematurely — failures documented as early as 7,000 to 27,000 km. Renault rectified affected vehicles under warranty or goodwill.
Symptoms: Engine failure warning, sudden power loss, low fuel indication despite full tank
The M5P also shows isolated reports of timing chain rattling noises at higher mileages. The chain is more durable than on the H5F but not maintenance-free.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, ticking on load changes
The high-performance turbo in the M5P is subjected to significant thermal stress in the Megane RS Trophy and Alpine A110 during track day use. Insufficient cool-down time after high-load phases accelerates turbo bearing wear.
Symptoms: Oil at the turbo outlet, whistling noises after intensive driving
The EDC dual-clutch gearbox (6DCT450/MPS6) shows clunking noises on upshifts at higher mileages, kickdown malfunctions and uncontrolled downshifts after a full-throttle run. Repair up to €8,000 when the clutch pack and control module are affected.
Symptoms: Clunking on acceleration and deceleration, kickdown only works with deep pedal pressure, sudden downshift of 2–3 gears after full throttle
Early M5P versions drew complaints about the accelerator pedal mapping and unnatural response delays in the drive-by-wire system. Software updates from Renault improve throttle response.
Symptoms: Unnatural throttle take-up, hesitation on pull-away, artificial response feel
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Due to inadequate adhesive bonding between the outer and inner bonnet panels, the outer panel can detach at motorway speeds and present a significant hazard.
The distance radar triggers unfounded emergency braking on open motorways, especially with adaptive cruise control active. Dangerous situation during overtaking.
The electric actuator of the 4Control rear axle steering and its rubber mounts wear prematurely. Symptoms are knocking and a vague feeling when turning in. Repair costs 2,750–3,500 € for parts and labour.
The electric actuators of the rear wheel steering fail particularly on early Espace V models. Renault subsequently switched supplier for later build years.
Rust forms on the steel body of the Espace V already after a few years, especially on weld seams and structural members. Trim strips also often don't seal properly.
Repeatedly documented elevated oil loss from engine and gearbox on the Espace V. Regular checks are necessary to avoid engine damage. Mainly affects earlier build years from 2015.
Both front and rear lights show moisture ingress through leaking seals. Reduced visibility and possible electronics damage are the consequences.
