E-Tech Híbrido engine: faults and reliability

• 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)

  since 2020 · 140–145 hp · H4M

  With caution

  The engine and battery have no documented internal faults, but the multi-mode gearbox shared by all E-Tech versions does have a frequent failure pattern across several models (see the gearbox fault); it is worth checking the campaign history before buying.^[2][6]

• 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)

  2020–2023 · 160 hp · H4M

  With caution

  It shares the multi-mode gearbox with the other E-Tech versions and the same documented fault pattern; as it also carries a higher-capacity battery and more powerful electronics, its campaign history should also be checked.^[7]

• 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)

  since 2022 · 200 hp · HR12

  With caution

  It shares the multi-mode gearbox fault pattern with the other E-Tech versions and adds its own problem of stalling and injection warnings, documented on the Austral and Espace VI.^[3][8]

Buy: No known serious faults, or they have already been corrected, in this version. With caution: Worth buying if something specific is verified: history, a replaced part or a completed campaign. Avoid: High risk of a serious fault that is hard to check for or prevent.

1. 1High severityCommonFrequency: CommonTransmissionMulti-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)On the Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Duster and Jogger with the E-Tech engine, reports describe a risk of the multi-mode gearbox breaking and being replaced. Renault has launched a campaign over a primary shaft seal fault (2020-January 2024, ~150,000 vehicles) that lets oil into the electric motor.
2. 2High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalInjectionStalling and injection warnings on the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12)On the Austral and Espace VI with the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12) engine, several reports describe "injection to be checked" warnings, turbo faults and one case of the engine stalling completely at motorway speed. We have not found the same pattern on cars with the 1.6 H4M.
3. 3Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsHybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't startSome Renault E-Techs show an "electrical problem DANGER" warning on the instrument panel and the car may not start or may lose electrical functions. Renault has launched a reprogramming campaign for vehicles built between April 2020 and April 2023 (around 154,000 vehicles).
4. 4Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalElectronics12 V battery going flat or needing early replacementSeveral Clio, Arkana and Austral owners with the E-Tech engine document premature replacement of the 12 V auxiliary battery, in one case twice in the first year. It is not the most widespread fault of the system, but it appears repeatedly across different models.

Severity colours: low, medium, high, critical. How we rate them

Manufacturer

Renault

Family

Sistema de hibridación E-Tech de Renault: un motor de combustión (H4M 1.6 atmosférico o HR12 1.2 turbo) combinado con uno o dos motores eléctricos y una caja robotizada multimodo de garras (crabots), sin embrague ni convertidor de par.

Fuel

Petrol

Displacement

1,598 cm³

Cylinders

4

Fuel system

Naturally aspirated

Injection

Indirect injection

Timing

Chain

Power

140–200 hp

Production

since 2020

Makes

Renault and Dacia

Technical data^[1][4][5]

1. since 2020

   1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)

   First version of the E-Tech system, available on the Clio V from January 2020: a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 1.6 (91-94 hp depending on the source) combined with a 48-49 hp electric motor and a 20 hp starter-generator, with a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and the multi-mode dog-clutch gearbox. In 2022 the Clio received a small power increase (+5 hp).^[1][12]

2. 2020–2023

   1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)

   Plug-in version of the same H4M block, with a more powerful electric motor (67 hp) and a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery (7.5 kWh usable) giving around 50 km of electric range (WLTP); it shares the same multi-mode dog-clutch gearbox. It was sold in the Captur from May 2020 to April 2023, and in the Mégane IV.^[4][9]

3. since 2022

   1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)

   A different engine from the H4M: a 1.2 three-cylinder turbo (HR12) combined with two electric motors and a higher-voltage lithium-ion battery (400 V, 1.7 kWh), for 200 hp and 410 Nm combined. It debuted on the Renault Austral in 2022 (built at the Palencia plant) and was later extended to the Espace VI (2023) and the Rafale (2024).^[5][10][11]