Renault-Nissan-Mercedes-Benz 1.3 TCe / 1.3 DIG-T (H5Ht / HR13DDT / M282)Variable valve timing (VVT) actuator
Timing phaser fault on the 1.3 TCe
A fault in the camshaft phaser can turn on the injection warning light and sometimes cause a loss of power in the 1.3 TCe/DIG-T. Renault-Nissan corrected it at the factory in February 2021; the repair involves checking the solenoid valves and, if necessary, replacing oil control valves.[1]
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: L'argus includes this fault among the engine's documented manufacturing defects, corrected in February 2021, without giving figures for how many units were affected.[1]
Symptoms
- Injection warning light on.[1]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Loss of power in some cases.[1]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
Why it happens
A fault in the camshaft phaser (variable valve timing): the garage must check the connection and operation of its solenoid valves and, if that is not enough, replace the oil flow control valves.[1]
Affected cars and years
L'argus places the factory correction on 21 February 2021, without specifying since when the defect was present.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3 TCe / 1.3 DIG-T 109-163 (H5Ht / HR13DDT / M282, first series 2018-2020) | 2018–2020 | H5HtHR13DDTM282 |
| 1.3 TCe / 1.3 DIG-T 109-163 and Mild Hybrid (H5Ht / HR13DDT / M282, corrected production from 2020) | since 2020 | H5HtHR13DDTM282 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Dacia
- Dacia Duster II2021–2024
Mercedes-Benz
- Mercedes-Benz Clase A W177since 2018
- Mercedes-Benz Clase B W247since 2018
- Mercedes-Benz CLA C118since 2019
- Mercedes-Benz GLA H247since 2020
- Mercedes-Benz GLB X247since 2019
- Mercedes-Benz Citan W420since 2021
Nissan
- Nissan Qashqai II2018–2021
- Nissan Qashqai IIIsince 2021
- Nissan X-Trail III2019–2022
Renault
- Renault Captur IIsince 2019
- Renault Clio V2019–2023
- Renault Mégane IV2019–2023
- Renault Kadjar2019–2022
- Renault Scénic IV2019–2022
- Renault Arkanasince 2020
- Renault Kangoo IIIsince 2021
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Checking the phaser's solenoid valves and, where appropriate, replacing the oil flow control valves.[1]
L'argus does not publish a price for this repair.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Check that the injection warning light is not on during the test drive, both cold and warm.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Phaser oil flow control valve[1]
Replaced when the camshaft phaser fails and checking the solenoid valves does not solve the problem.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Change the oil on time and with the viscosity approved by the manufacturer: the phaser relies on oil pressure to work properly.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1.3 TCe's phaser?
It is the mechanism that adjusts the camshaft timing according to engine speed; on this engine it can fail because of a problem with its solenoid valves or the oil control valves.[1]
When was this fault corrected?
L'argus places the factory correction on 21 February 2021.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.3 TCe faults
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo actuator (wastegate) faultOn 1.3 TCe/DIG-T engines built up to 19 June 2020, the clip that holds the turbo wastegate valve rod may be missing or come loose, causing a loss of power with the injection warning light on. If the rod is left with too much play, the whole turbo has to be replaced.Repair (garage): €400–€700
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionUnstable idle, juddering and stalling caused by the injectorsOn 1.3 TCe/DIG-T engines built before April 2019, the injector seal may be missing or its housing incorrectly sized, which causes an unstable idle, juddering and stalling. Renault-Nissan corrected it at the factory in 2019; the repair involves replacing injectors or, in serious cases, the cylinder head.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlEmissions warning light on because of a calibration faultA fault in the injection calibration can turn on the emissions warning light or the engine fault light on 1.3 TCe/DIG-T engines from 2018-2020. Renault-Nissan fixes it by reprogramming the control unit; production after 2019-2020 already includes the corrected calibration.Repair: €100
More faults with the variable valve timing actuator on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche V8 and V6 (Cayenne and Panamera)Loosening of the camshaft adjuster boltsPorsche acknowledges that the fixing bolts of the camshaft adjusters on certain Cayenne S and Turbo and Panamera models built up to September 2011 can fail: noise, vibration, engine warning light and, in rare cases, stalling. There has been a worldwide workshop campaign since 2012.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N43/N46Wear of the Valvetronic and the VANOS solenoid valvesOver the years, the eccentric shaft or the actuator motor of the Valvetronic can wear and cause heavy idle fluctuations; the VANOS solenoid valves also fail over time, with similar symptoms and a loss of power. According to English-language Wikipedia, the 1.6-litre N43B16 does not have Valvetronic.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonM111Camshaft adjuster oil leak into the wiringYes: the magnet (solenoid valve) of the M111 camshaft adjuster can lose its seal, and the oil creeps up by capillary action to the connector and the wiring loom. Mercedes-Benz has the same repair cable as for the M271 (part number A2711502733), which is cheap to fit.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonM271Oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster solenoids into the wiringYes: the camshaft adjuster solenoids (magnets) of the M271 can lose their seal, and the oil wicks up to the connector and the wiring loom, and can even reach the control unit. Mercedes-Benz has a specific repair cable (reference A2711502733) that is cheap to fit.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonM270/M274Oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster into the electrical connector (M274)Yes: on the M274, the camshaft adjuster solenoids can lose their seal over the years and let oil wick up to the connector and the wiring harness, potentially reaching the ECU. It is fixed relatively cheaply with a specific repair cable.
- Critical severityFrequency: Rare1.2 and 1.4 TSICamshaft adjuster and belt failure (EA211, 2013-2015)On some 1.2 TSI EA211 engines built mainly in 2014, the camshaft adjuster bolts came loose, jammed the wheel and snapped the belt, causing serious engine failure. Volkswagen recalled units from late 2013 to 2015 (action 15H2).
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Renault-Dacia. Quel bilan fiabilité pour le moteur 1.3 TCe ?L'argus · Motoring press · published 5 April 2021 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Nissan HR engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026