Renault-Dacia E-Tech Híbrido (H4M 1.6 and HR12 1.2 Turbo, caja multimodo)12 V battery
12 V battery going flat or needing early replacement on the E-Tech Híbrido
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: Fiches-auto.fr documents the battery in 14 of 71 reports for the Clio 1.6 E-Tech 140 and 9 of 131 for the Arkana (with cases such as "remplacement batterie à 17.500 km et 16 mois" or "deux batteries en 1 an"), plus mentions of a repeatedly low 12 V battery on the Austral. It is a minority of reports, but it recurs across three different models.[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- The 12 V battery runs flat sooner than expected and has to be replaced.[1][2]Battery goes flat: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- Difficulty starting when the auxiliary battery is low.[3]Hard to start: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The sources document repeated replacements of the 12 V battery, but do not say whether the origin is a parasitic drain, a charging fault or another specific technical cause.[1][2]
If it is not repaired: The reports do not say whether the car is left completely immobilised or only loses auxiliary functions; they document repeated battery replacements in under a year in one case.[2]
Affected cars and years
Documented on cars with the 1.6 H4M (Clio, Arkana) and the 1.2 turbo HR12 (Austral); we find no reason to distinguish between versions.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+) | since 2020 | H4M |
| 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023) | 2020–2023 | H4M |
| 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+) | since 2022 | HR12 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Dacia
- Dacia Joggersince 2023
- Dacia Duster IIIsince 2024
Renault
- Renault Clio Vsince 2020
- Renault Captur IIsince 2020
- Renault Captur II2020–2023
- Renault Mégane IV2020–2023
- Renault Arkanasince 2020
- Renault Australsince 2022
- Renault Espace VIsince 2023
- Renault Rafalesince 2024
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the 12 V battery.[1][2]
None of the sources we consulted publishes a price for Spain.
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
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)
12 V battery (auxiliary)
Powers starting and activation of the hybrid system; replaced when it runs down early.
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
- Avoid leaving the car standing for a long time without charging; on very short journeys with little use, the 12 V battery runs down sooner.
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
Is it serious if the 12 V battery of an E-Tech hybrid fails?
It can leave the car unable to start, since the hybrid system needs the 12 V battery to activate; reports document replacements after only a few months of use on several models.[1][2]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other E-Tech Híbrido faults
- High 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.
- High 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.
- Medium 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).
More faults with the 12 V battery on other engines and cars
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: Common2.0 and 2.5 HybridThe 12 V battery goes flat if the car sits unused for several daysYes, it is a common complaint: the 12 V battery can go flat after just a few days without using the car, because of the standby drain from the electronics (multimedia, telematics, keyless entry). With the 12 V battery very low, the hybrid system can lock itself into a safe mode.
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.5 Hybrid12 V battery going flat while parkedYes: on the hybrid Yaris and Yaris Cross, the 12 V battery can go flat within a few days while parked because of the residual draw of modules such as eCall or keyless entry. It is fixed with a software update or, if the battery is already damaged, by replacing it.
- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonHyundai Ioniq 5Faulty ICCU: 12 V battery drain and loss of drive powerThe Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) can fail on the Ioniq 5: it drains the 12 V battery, may refuse to charge and, in the most serious cases, cause the car to lose power or not go into drive mode. Hyundai has replaced this part and updated its software on units built between January and February 2023.
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord Galaxy IIIAcid leak from the 12 V battery (campaign 18P11)According to the fiches-auto.fr page, campaign 18P11 (August 2019) covers Galaxies built between February 2014 and February 2019 over a risk of battery acid leaking, which can worsen over time.
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Ioniq 6ICCU unit fault and 12 V battery drainAccording to the fiches-auto.fr listing, some owners have an Ioniq 6 immobilised by faults in the ICCU unit or the 12 V auxiliary battery even though the traction battery is charged. The same listing records a 2024 campaign on the 12 V battery charger.
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonHyundai Kona I12 V battery discharges by itself and leaves the car unable to startIt is the most cited fault of the Kona outside the engine: a compilation of owner testimonies places the 12 V battery as the most repeated category, with spontaneous discharges that leave the car unusable until it is recharged, especially on short journeys.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- 1.Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 2.Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 3.Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French