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Renault Avantime problems (2001–2003)

The only engine of the Renault Avantime that we have documented, the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6, has high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. Our verdict for the version it is fitted to: «With caution».[1][2]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Avantime is a delicate car: Auto Bild calls it unreliable and cites the glass roof, seat heating and the automatic gearbox; cars built before mid-2002 were assembled worse. We have found no recalls and no costs in euros.[3][4]

Renault Avantime (2001–2003)
Photo: 328cia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468107.5out of 10

Renault Avantime rating: good reliability

Calculated using only 5 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Limited evidence: it is based on few sources or few documented faults, so it is not included in the rankings. Having few documented faults does not mean it is reliable: it may simply be little studied. How it is calculated

  • Engine6.42 faults
  • Gearbox9.31 fault
  • Suspension10.0No documented faults
  • Brakes10.0No documented faults
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering10.0No documented faults
  • Electrical system9.31 fault
  • Headlights and lights10.0No documented faults
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior9.31 fault
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

The weak points of the Renault Avantime

  1. 1Critical severity: Big-end bearing failure in the 2.2 dCi (G9T)2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 engine
  2. 2Medium severity: Blocked EGR valve and turbo and injector faults on the 2.2 dCi (G9T)2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 engine
  3. 3Medium severity: Automatic gearbox jerks on pull-awayGearbox and clutch
  4. 4Low severity: Creaking of the panoramic glass sliding roofBodywork and interior
  5. 5Low severity: Seat heater failureElectrical system

Documented engine

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

7 sourcesHow we work

2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

Renault 2.2 dCi (G9T) and 3.0 dCi V6 (P9X, de origen Isuzu) · Diesel

In the Avantime
2002–2003[5]
Name
2.2 dCi
Faults that affect it
2 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
36
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 2.2 dCi 115-150 (G9T)2001–2009 · 115–150 hp · G9T

    With caution

    There are reports of big-end bearing failures and clogged EGR valves; check the history and whether the bearings have already been replaced.[1][2]

Faults that affect the Avantime

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 has 3 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockBig-end bearing failure in the 2.2 dCi (G9T)L'argus flags big-end bearing failure as a known weakness of Renault's dCi diesels of the era, and there are owner accounts of Laguna II and Avantime cars with the 2.2. There are no incidence statistics: it is an anecdotally documented risk, but with a very serious consequence.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlBlocked EGR valve and turbo and injector faults on the 2.2 dCi (G9T)On the 150 hp 2.2 dCi, forums frequently cite a blocked EGR valve, turbo failures between 80,000 and 140,000 km (according to one forum) and seized injectors; L'argus confirms that carbon build-up affects dCi engines in general. These are mid-cost faults that do not usually destroy the engine.

Avantime 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 pageAll versions and faults of the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

Faults of the Renault Avantime outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

Checklist for buying a used Renault Avantime

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 (2002–2003)

Big-end bearing failure in the 2.2 dCi (G9T)

Critical severity

Blocked EGR valve and turbo and injector faults on the 2.2 dCi (G9T)

Medium severity

Wear parts for the Renault Avantime

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Renault Avantime?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Own a Renault Avantime? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Renault Avantime reliable?

The only engine of the Renault Avantime that we have documented, the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6, has high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. Our verdict for the version it is fitted to: «With caution». Outside the engine, the Avantime is a delicate car: Auto Bild calls it unreliable and cites the glass roof, seat heating and the automatic gearbox; cars built before mid-2002 were assembled worse. We have found no recalls and no costs in euros.

What problems does the Renault Avantime have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Avantime is a delicate car: Auto Bild calls it unreliable and cites the glass roof, seat heating and the automatic gearbox; cars built before mid-2002 were assembled worse. We have found no recalls and no costs in euros. The most important documented faults are: automatic gearbox jerks on pull-away (gearbox and clutch, medium severity), creaking of the panoramic glass sliding roof (bodywork and interior, low severity) and seat heater failure (electrical system, low severity).[3][4]

What faults does the Renault Avantime have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: big-end bearing failure in the 2.2 dCi (G9T) (2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6, critical severity) and blocked EGR valve and turbo and injector faults on the 2.2 dCi (G9T) (2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6, medium severity).

What is the best year to buy a Renault Avantime?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2001 (8.7/10); the worst rated is 2002 (7.5/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Laguna II : remplacement préventif coussinet de bielle 2.2 dCiPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  2. Avantime : casse moteur 2.2 dCiPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  3. Renault Avantime: Fahrbericht und KaufberatungAuto Bild Klassik · Motoring press · published 26 May 2026 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  4. Avis des propriétaires de RENAULT AVANTIMEautomobile-sportive.com · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  5. Renault G-Type engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  6. Tous modèles diesels modernes : les principaux incidentsPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  7. Avis de propriétaires Renault Vel Satis (2.2 y 3.0 dCi)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French