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Renault Espace IV problems (2002–2015)

All 3 engines of the Renault Espace IV that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.9 dCi, the 2.0 dCi and the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3][4]

Outside the engine: Apart from the engine, the Renault Espace IV has recurring complaints about window regulators, suspension ball joints, the electric parking brake and air conditioning. According to the 537 testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr there are no notable campaigns; these are wear and electronics faults, with no official figures.[5][6]

Renault Espace IV (2002–2015)
Photo: Rudolf Stricker · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468105.6out of 10

Renault Espace IV rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 17 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

  • Engine4.5From 3.3 to 5.4 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension7.01 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes6.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering0.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 3.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system8.91 fault
  • Headlights and lights7.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.2 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control9.31 fault
  • Bodywork and interior7.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

The weak points of the Renault Espace IV

  1. 1Critical severity: Seizure and wear of the big-end bearings1.9 dCi engine
  2. 2High severity: Premature turbocharger wear1.9 dCi engine
  3. 3High severity: Failures of the Delphi direct-injection injectors1.9 dCi engine
  4. 4High severity: Premature turbocharger failure2.0 dCi engine
  5. 5Critical severity: Timing chain wear or breakage2.0 dCi engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

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

21 sourcesHow we work

1.9 dCi

Renault 1.9 dCi (F9Q) · Diesel

In the Espace IV
2002–2006[7][8]
Name
1.9 dCi 120
Faults that affect it
5 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
67
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.9 dCi 95-120 (F9Q, first generation, 1999-2005)1999–2005 · 80–120 hp · F9Q

    With caution

    This is the tune where the engine's best-documented problems are concentrated: planeterenault rates the risk of serious failure (big-end bearings, turbo) as very high in this power band and these years; check the maintenance history and the condition of the engine before buying.[9]

Faults that affect the Espace IV

  1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonLubricationSeizure and wear of the big-end bearingsOn the 95 to 120 hp versions built before 2005, the big-end bearings of the 1.9 dCi (F9Q) are fragile and can seize, which wrecks the bottom end of the engine. Renault did not acknowledge an official campaign, but it resolved some out-of-warranty cases.
  2. High severityFrequency: CommonTurboPremature turbocharger wearThe turbo on the 1.9 dCi can start to fail around 150,000 km, especially on the 100 to 130 hp versions built between 2000 and 2005. Renault went as far as covering up to 80% of the cost of out-of-warranty repairs, with no official campaign.
  3. High severityFrequency: CommonInjectionFailures of the Delphi direct-injection injectorsThe Delphi injectors on the 1.9 dCi give trouble with some regularity, a weak point that gebrauchtwagenberater.de and planeterenault document as typical of direct-injection diesels of that era.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by soot build-upThe EGR valve on the older 1.9 dCi engines (105, 110 and 120 hp) clogs with soot fairly often, especially in urban use; fiches-auto.fr includes it among the diesels most affected by this problem before 2010.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel failure on the 120 hp versionsfiches-auto.fr documents numerous cases of dual-mass flywheel failure on the 1.9 dCi 120 in the Scénic II and Laguna II, among the diesels most affected by this problem.

Espace IV 1.9 dCi pageAll versions and faults of the 1.9 dCi

2.0 dCi

Renault/Nissan 2.0 dCi (M9R) · Diesel

In the Espace IV
2006–2015[5][10][11]
Name
2.0 dCi 175
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
52
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

Faults that affect the Espace IV

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonTurboPremature turbocharger failureThe 2.0 dCi turbo fails relatively often, sometimes at low mileage: the reliability sheets consulted document dozens of cases in the Espace IV, Koleos and Laguna III, with whistling, loss of power and, in several cases, bluish smoke before the final failure.
  2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain wear or breakageThe 2.0 dCi timing chain can stretch or, in the worst cases, break earlier than expected: there are documented cases between around 60,000 and more than 200,000 km in several models that use it. As the engine is an interference design between piston and valves, a breakage usually brings serious internal damage.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter (DPF)The 2.0 dCi particulate filter clogs up fairly easily in urban or short-trip use: it is the most cited fault in the reliability sheets of the Qashqai (26 cases) and the Koleos (23 cases), with the warning light on, frequent regenerations and, in some cases, a need to replace the filter.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blockageThe 2.0 dCi EGR valve gets dirty with carbon from the recirculated gases and can stick or stop sealing: it is the fault with the most reports in the Espace IV sheet (88 cases), with additional documented cases in the Laguna III and Qashqai.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionInjector failureThe 2.0 dCi injectors can fail in isolated cases, with documented cases in the Espace IV (81 reports), Laguna III (13) and Koleos (5); the most cited symptom is loss of power and, in the Laguna III, a case of fuel leakage with the engine fault risk warning light on.

Espace IV 2.0 dCi pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 dCi

2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6

Safest option

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

In the Espace IV
2002–2009[14][15]
Names
2.2 dCi · 3.0 dCi V6
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
46
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions 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]

  • 3.0 dCi V6 180 (P9X)2002–2009 · 180 hp · P9X

    With caution

    L'argus lists cases of overheating leading to seizure; check the cooling circuit and the expansion tank.[3][4]

Faults that affect the Espace IV

  1. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCooling3.0 dCi V6 overheating and expansion tank failuresThe 3.0 V6 dCi (P9X 701) in the Espace and Vel Satis has a reputation for overheating; L'argus lists cases of engine seizure. Renault issued a note on the expansion tanks in 2006, without acknowledging engine damage at the time.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Espace IV 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 Espace IV outside the engine

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

What the MOT inspection finds on the Renault Espace IV

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 4,317 inspections of 1,771 cars registered between 2002 and 2014, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 15.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 8.4%.

    More defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 15.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 9.3%.

    More defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 13.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.

    Many more defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 30.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 25.2%.

    Average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.1%.

    Average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 3.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.5%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 13.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 8.1%.

    More defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 5.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 5.5%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 19.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.5%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Renault Espace IV

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 1.9 dCi (2002–2006)

Seizure and wear of the big-end bearings

Critical severity

Premature turbocharger wear

High severity

Failures of the Delphi direct-injection injectors

High severity

EGR valve blocked by soot build-up

Medium severity

Dual-mass flywheel failure on the 120 hp versions

Medium severity

If it has the 2.0 dCi (2006–2015)

Premature turbocharger failure

High severity

Timing chain wear or breakage

Critical severity

Clogged particulate filter (DPF)

Medium severity

EGR valve blockage

Medium severity

Injector failure

Medium severity

If it has the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6 (2002–2009)

3.0 dCi V6 overheating and expansion tank failures

Critical severity

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 Espace IV

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 Espace IV?

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Renault Espace IV reliable?

All 3 engines of the Renault Espace IV that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.9 dCi, the 2.0 dCi and the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6, with a «With caution» verdict. Apart from the engine, the Renault Espace IV has recurring complaints about window regulators, suspension ball joints, the electric parking brake and air conditioning. According to the 537 testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr there are no notable campaigns; these are wear and electronics faults, with no official figures.

Which Renault Espace IV engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.2 dCi and 3.0 dCi V6, with a «With caution» verdict. 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]

What problems does the Renault Espace IV have apart from the engine?

Apart from the engine, the Renault Espace IV has recurring complaints about window regulators, suspension ball joints, the electric parking brake and air conditioning. According to the 537 testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr there are no notable campaigns; these are wear and electronics faults, with no official figures. The most important documented faults are: electric parking brake failure (actuator, cable and sensor) (brakes, high severity), premature wear of suspension ball joints and bushes (suspension, medium severity), electric window regulator and motor failure in the doors (electrical system, low severity) and air conditioning compressor failure (climate control, low severity).[5][6]

What faults does the Renault Espace IV have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: seizure and wear of the big-end bearings (1.9 dCi, critical severity), premature turbocharger wear (1.9 dCi, high severity), failures of the Delphi direct-injection injectors (1.9 dCi, high severity), premature turbocharger failure (2.0 dCi, high severity) and timing chain wear or breakage (2.0 dCi, critical severity).

What is the best year to buy a Renault Espace IV?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2009, 2008, 2007 and 1 other years with the same rating (5.9/10); the worst rated is 2002 (5.5/10). 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 Espace et Vel Satis : le 3.0 V6 dCi surchauffeL'argus · Motoring press · published 22 June 2010 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  4. Vel Satis I : ma Vel Satis 3.0 dCi Initiale a des problèmesPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Tous les problèmes sur Renault Espace 4 2002-2014 (537 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. Renault EspaceWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Moteur F RenaultWikipédia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Renault Espace IVWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. Achat d'occasion : faut-il éviter le moteur 1.9 dCi F9Q chez Renault ?Planète Renault · Motoring press · published 24 January 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Renault Grand Espace 2.0 dCi PrivilegeAutopista · Motoring press · published 19 September 2006 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Renault EspaceWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité Renault Koleos : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Fiabilité Nissan X-Trail : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Renault G-Type engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  15. Renault Espace IVWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  16. Renault Mégane II (2002 – 2009): Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  17. Vanne EGR : problèmes et pannesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Renault Scénic II (2003 – 2009) – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  19. Fiabilité Renault Laguna 3 : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  20. Tous modèles diesels modernes : les principaux incidentsPlanèteRenault (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  21. Avis de propriétaires Renault Vel Satis (2.2 y 3.0 dCi)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French