Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Herranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Monospace rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP in 2015, but its used-car reliability is judged very uneven: launch examples, especially the 1.6 dCi 160 EDC, call for a strict selection (Carverif). A crankcase-cylinder defect can crack the 1.6 dCi on vehicles built between December 2014 and March 2018 (L'argus). Have the serial number checked with Renault and favour a facelifted model.
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Indicative prices
- €11,400 – €31,000
- Monthly cost
- €405
- Euro NCAP
- 5/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 2.0 Blue dCi 200 EDC.
1.6 dCi 130
Diesel · Manual · 130 hp · Crit'Air 2
6-speed manual gearbox, 4.5 l/100 km announced at launch. Affected by the 1.6 dCi crankcase-cylinder defect if built between December 2014 and March 2018.
Engine: Renault-Nissan 1.6 dCi (R9M)
Verdict on this engine: Good choice, check first
1.6 dCi 160 EDC
Diesel · Automatic · 160 hp · Crit'Air 2
Only available with the 6-speed EDC dual-clutch gearbox. The version most often cited in engine-failure reports: a strict selection is recommended.
Engine: Renault-Nissan 1.6 dCi (R9M)
Verdict on this engine: Good choice, check first
1.6 TCe 200 EDC
Petrol · Automatic · 200 hp · Crit'Air 1
200 hp petrol, 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, 6.2 l/100 km announced at launch.
Blue dCi 160 EDC
Diesel · Automatic · 160 hp · Crit'Air 2
Added in spring 2020 in Zen and Intens trim levels, with the EDC gearbox.
2.0 Blue dCi 200 EDC
✓ RecommendedDiesel · Automatic · 200 hp · 5.4 L/100 km · 143 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 2
Diesel from the facelift, 6-speed EDC gearbox; announced at 190 hp after the Euro 6 D-Full adaptations. Considered more reassuring than the 1.6 dCi by Carverif.
TCe 225 EDC
Petrol · Automatic · 225 hp · Crit'Air 1
Petrol sold in Initiale Paris in spring 2020, withdrawn at the end of 2020 for non-compliance with the Euro 6 D-Full standard.
Market prices
€11,400 – €31,000
Indicative range: 2015 to 2023, yearly medians of 256 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
1.6 dCi engine failure (cracked crankcase-cylinder)
Severity 3/3 · SeriousAccording to L'argus, a manufacturing defect in the 1.6 dCi crankcase-cylinder can crack it, leading to engine failure (abnormal noise, oil leak, stalling, coolant consumption). The defect concerns 1,474 vehicles built in France between 10 December 2014 and 19 March 2018. Owners report quotes of 12,000 to 14,000 euros and failures at 82,000 km.
- Versions
- 1.6 dCi 130, 1.6 dCi 160 EDC
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- €12,000 to €14,000
R-Link 2 multimedia system bugs
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingSince the launch in 2015, owners have reported no sound, faulty navigation and non-working voice recognition. Renault launched a special technical operation (software update, March 2016) on vehicles built up to 27 October 2015.
- Versions
- 1.6 dCi 130, 1.6 dCi 160 EDC, 1.6 TCe 200 EDC, Blue dCi 160 EDC, 2.0 Blue dCi 200 EDC, TCe 225 EDC
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
EDC gearbox faults
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingThe EDC dual-clutch gearbox can show jerking, leaks or loss of programming. Any fault should first be diagnosed before any price negotiation.
- Versions
- 1.6 dCi 130, 1.6 dCi 160 EDC, 1.6 TCe 200 EDC, Blue dCi 160 EDC, 2.0 Blue dCi 200 EDC, TCe 225 EDC
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Renault Espace”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €146 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €64 |
| Maintenance | €50 |
| Depreciation | €145 |
| Total per month | €405 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (diesel)€146
2.0 Blue dCi 200 EDC version: combined consumption of 5.4 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.347 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
5.4 × 1.15 × 2.347 € × 10 = €146
Diesel price: French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€64
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€50
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€145
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Renault Espace V — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Have the serial number checked with Renault: the 1.6 dCi crankcase-cylinder defect concerns vehicles built between 10 December 2014 and 19 March 2018.
- On a 1.6 dCi, check for oil leaks, abnormal noise and loss of coolant.
- Test the EDC gearbox cold and warm: jerking, shuddering, slipping or leaks.
- Test the R-Link 2 (sound, navigation, voice recognition) and check which updates have been installed.
- If fitted, have the 4Control checked: any noise justifies a diagnosis.
- Request an electronic diagnosis and the recalls carried out for the serial number.
Questions to ask the seller
- Has the engine been replaced or repaired, and did Renault cover the crankcase-cylinder work?
- Have the R-Link 2 updates and the manufacturer's recalls been carried out?
- Has the EDC gearbox been repaired or reprogrammed?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Renault Scénic
IV · 2016–2022
- Price
- €7,890 – €17,439
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Peugeot 5008
II · 2017–2024
- Price
- €13,100 – €27,000
- Reliability
- 2/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Renault Espace V (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Renault Espace 5 reliable?
Its used-car reliability is judged very uneven: Carverif recommends a facelifted model and a strict selection of launch examples, especially the 1.6 dCi 160 EDC.
What is the boot capacity of the Espace 5?
L'argus gives 680 litres in the 5-seat version and 247 litres in the 7-seat version with all seats in use.
Which engines were available after the facelift?
At the end of 2019, only the 2.0 Blue dCi 200 hp was offered, with the EDC gearbox. The Blue dCi 160 and the TCe 225 arrived in spring 2020, and the petrol engines were withdrawn at the end of 2020 (L'argus, Actu-Automobile).
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