Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi 130 and 160 hp problems
The Renault Espace V used the 1.6 dCi from 2015 to 2023 (Energy dCi 130 and Energy dCi 160). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “premature turbocharger failure or breakage” (high severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”.
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Engine score on this car
5.2 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Espace V. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Renault Espace V
5.8 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
Renault/Nissan 1.6 dCi (R9M) · Diesel
- Names
- Energy dCi 130 · Energy dCi 160
- Faults that affect it
- 5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the version it uses
1.6 Energy dCi Euro 6 with NOx trap (130 and 160/165 hp, 2015-2019)2015–2019 · 130–165 hp · R9M
With cautionThis is the version with the most documented faults in the reliability reports consulted: turbo, EGR valve, particulate filter, injectors and, in the Kadjar and Espace V, oil leaks around the timing area. Its NOx trap system also prompted a recall in France over excess real-world emissions.[2][3][4][5][6]
Faults that affect the Espace V
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboPremature turbocharger failure or breakageThe 1.6 dCi turbo fails fairly often, sometimes at low mileage: fiches-auto documents failures between 23,000 and 113,000 km in the Kadjar, Qashqai II, X-Trail III and Espace V, with loss of power and, in several cases, the manufacturer refusing to cover the cost out of warranty.Repair (garage): €3,000
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingOil leak from the timing chain coverThe 1.6 dCi uses a timing chain, not a belt, but several Kadjar and Espace V owners describe oil leaks around the chain cover or casing, in some cases serious enough to require removing part of the engine.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlBlocked or failed EGR valveThe 1.6 dCi EGR valve gets dirty and can stick or stop sealing, especially in cars used around town. Fiches-auto flags it as one of the most repeated defects in the Renault Espace V and documents a case of double replacement in a Kadjar (at 85,000 km and again at 95,000 km).Repair (garage): €250–€1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlBlocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)In urban and short-journey use the 1.6 dCi DPF can block up early: fiches-auto records a case in an X-Trail III at only 10,000 km and 4 months. A software adjustment on the first Kadjar units (up to July 2015) also affected NOx emissions management.Repair (garage): €600–€1,500
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector failuresThe 1.6 dCi injectors can fail individually or, in more serious cases, several at once: fiches-auto documents 6 cases in the Espace V and one failed injector with loss of power on the motorway in a Kadjar.Repair (garage): €250–€1,700
What to check before buying a used Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi 130 and 160 hp
Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.
If it has the 1.6 dCi (2015–2023)
Premature turbocharger failure or breakage
High severityOil leak from the timing chain cover
High severityBlocked or failed EGR valve
Medium severityBlocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)
Medium severityInjector failures
Medium severityFaults of the Renault Espace V outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakes2016 brake recalls: front brake hose and ABS/ESC hydraulic unitThe first Espace V cars had two brake recalls in 2016: a front brake hose fitted incorrectly that could rub against the wheel rim and lose fluid, and an ABS/ESC hydraulic unit with contaminating particles. Both are preventive recalls.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyPassive safety recalls: seatbelts, seat rails, curtain airbags and child lockThe Espace V had four preventive passive safety recalls in 2016: front seatbelt webbing cut, rear bolts on the front seat rails not tightened, curtain airbags with an incorrect chemical mix, and a child lock on the rear left door.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorBody recalls: bonnet, sunroof and rear spoilerThe Espace V had three recalls for body parts that could come loose while driving: the bonnet outer skin (2016), the sunroof (2016) and the top of the rear spoiler (2020). All are preventive recalls.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical system2015 electrical recalls: battery sensor earth and auxiliary heaterTwo 2016 recalls affected the earliest Espace V cars: a poorly routed earth braid on the battery current sensor could stall the engine without warning (alert notified by Spain), and a loose earth wire on the auxiliary heater could cause a fire.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionNoises and play in the front suspension ball joints and bushesOwners describe knocking over small bumps and play in the front axle joints (23 cases out of 275), with wishbones replaced at 58,000 and 85,000 km. The page also cites a 2016 campaign for incorrect wheel alignment.
Buying a Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi 130 and 160 hp?
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The Renault Espace V has 14 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you
Frequently asked questions
Is the Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi 130 and 160 hp reliable?
The Renault Espace V used the 1.6 dCi from 2015 to 2023 (Energy dCi 130 and Energy dCi 160). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “premature turbocharger failure or breakage” (high severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”.
What faults does the Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi 130 and 160 hp have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: premature turbocharger failure or breakage (high severity), oil leak from the timing chain cover (high severity), blocked or failed EGR valve (medium severity), blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF) (medium severity) and injector failures (medium severity).
Own a Renault Espace V 1.6 dCi 130 and 160 hp? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Renault EspaceWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiabilité Renault Espace 5 : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Renault Kadjar : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Nissan Qashqai 2 : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Nissan X-Trail 3 : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Si no hubo fraude, ¿por qué 15.000 Renault Captur y Espace serán revisados por un nivel de emisiones excesivo?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 19 January 2016 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Detecta así la avería en los inyectores y ahorra 1.000 €Autopista · Motoring press · published 21 March 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish