Renault Espace 5
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Espace V (2015–2023) is no longer a classic MPV but a near-4.85 m crossover with MPV genes — up to seven seats, optional air suspension and 4Control rear-axle steering. As an expensive new car it was sold almost only to high-mileage drivers and fleets, so it drops sharply in value used — a bargain for patient buyers who can tolerate some workshop time.
The first choice in diesel is the M9R (2.0 dCi): in the community the tougher of the two diesels, with mileage reserves well beyond 250,000 km on clean maintenance, plus the more straightforward 6-speed EDC. The rare M5P (2.0 TCe, 225 hp) is regarded as capable and solid. Be wary of the R9M (1.6 dCi): a leaking timing-cover, condensation in the intercooler and the occasional severe engine failure are documented. The M5M (1.6 TCe) suffers above all from the petrol EDC, which slips and jerks when cold.
Three themes define the Espace V. First the EDC dual-clutch — jerking and clutch slip, above all on the petrols, in the worst case a four-figure clutch or gearbox replacement. Second the 4Control rear-axle steering (Intens/Initiale): early 2015–2017 cars lost actuators in droves. Third the R-Link 2 infotainment, prone to crashes and black screens before the 3.4 update.
Test drive: Pull away on the EDC cold without fail — the jerk on the 1→2 shift only shows cold, a warm gearbox masks the wear. On 4Control test for knocking and a steering warning on rough roads, and on early builds demand proof of actuator replacement. On the 1.6 dCi check the oil level and engine block, and check the R-Link version.
Market 2026: Early high-mileage examples from under $11,000, mid years $14,000–21,000, well-kept 2020 Initiale Paris $26,000–32,000.
Insider pick: An M9R (2.0 dCi) in plain trim without 4Control, with a documented EDC gearbox-oil change. The longest-lived engine, the tougher diesel EDC, and every technology layer you skip is one less fault source — that's how the complex Espace becomes an affordable long-distance cruiser.
225 PS
Espace · Benzin
Strongest Espace
Decent131–163 PS
1.6L dCi Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Renault Espace 5 is available with 4 engine variants — from 131 to 224 hp.
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain and up to 160 hp in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.0-litre diesel developed jointly with Nissan with timing chain and good fundamental long-term robustness — with correct maintenance well over 300,000 km is possible. Weak point is the turbocharger boost pressure control on early examples (2005–2006). Timing chain can start to rattle from 200,000 km; oil quality is critical.
- !! Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage from 150,000 km
On the M9R the valve cover also serves as the camshaft bearing — both parts are machined together. A damaged valve cover during injector removal will inevitably destroy the cylinder head as well.
Symptoms: Damage occurs during improper repair; no prior warning - !! Coolant Loss / Seal Damage from 180,000 km
Faulty seals or cracks in the M9R engine block can lead to coolant loss. Overheating threatens if the problem is not detected early — especially at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Falling coolant level, overheating warning, white smoke from exhaust - !! Timing chain stretch from 200,000 km
The 2.0 dCi uses a timing chain that stretches at high mileage and wears the sprockets. If the chain jumps, valve damage follows. Replacement usually requires removing the engine and is correspondingly costly.
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start from the front timing chain area that fades once warm
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
1.6-litre turbo in the Clio RS IV with timing chain and 200–220 hp — mechanically fundamentally solid, but the EDC dual-clutch gearbox (Phase 1) is considered a weak point and shows jerky behaviour in urban traffic. The engine itself tolerates high mileages with diligent maintenance; short oil change intervals recommended for spirited use.
- !! EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder from 80,000 km
The EDC dual-clutch gearbox in the Kadjar and Scenic IV with M5M tends to judder on pull-away and develop shift issues, especially at low-rev partial throttle. Regular gearbox oil changes every 50,000 km are essential.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, delayed gear changes, gearbox warning - !! Timing chain stretch from 130,000 km
The timing chain stretches at high mileage, especially with frequent cold starts and neglected oil changes. A rattle on cold start means the chain kit is due. Note: the high-pressure pump sounds similar.
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start that fades once warm, metallic noises on load change - !! Intake Port Carbon Build-Up (Direct Injection) from 80,000 km
As a direct injector without port injection the M5M 1.6 TCe builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves over time. Power loss can occur after 60,000–80,000 km.
Symptoms: Power loss, hesitation at part throttle, increased fuel consumption
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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.
- !! Recall: oil-pressure solenoid with metal debris from 30,000 km
Factory recall 0D4W: metal particles jam the oil-pressure solenoid in the high-pressure position, starving the engine of oil — risk of engine damage. Early Mégane RS and Alpine A110 are affected. Repair free at the dealer.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, engine noises under load — often without warning until damage occurs - !! Fuel Pump Failure on Early Build Years from 15,000 km
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 - !! Timing Chain Rattle from 50,000 km
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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Espace 5 (2015–2023) — 29 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: R9M (1.6L dCi). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Other, Electronics.
Espace (R9M, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 131 PS.
Espace (R9M, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 160 PS.
Espace (M9R, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage, Timing chain stretch. Power: 160 PS.
Espace (M9R, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage, Timing chain stretch. Power: 200 PS.
Espace (M9R, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Injector Removal Causes Cylinder Head Damage, Coolant Loss / Seal Damage, Timing chain stretch. Power: 189 PS.
Espace (M5M, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: EDC Dual-Clutch Gearbox Judder, Timing chain stretch, Intake Port Carbon Build-Up (Direct Injection). Power: 200 PS.
Espace (M5P, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Recall: oil-pressure solenoid with metal debris, Fuel Pump Failure on Early Build Years, Timing Chain Rattle. 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee