Renault-Dacia E-Tech Híbrido (H4M 1.6 and HR12 1.2 Turbo, caja multimodo)Automated manual gearbox (Dualogic, Easytronic, MMT...)
Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage) on the E-Tech Híbrido
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.[1][2]
Why this rating?
High severity: Risk of a serious engine, turbo or gearbox failure.
Frequency common: On fiches-auto.fr, the gearbox appears in 30% of reports for the Clio 1.6 E-Tech 140 (21 of 71), 17% for the Captur E-Tech Plug-in 160 (4 of 23), 19% for the Arkana (25 of 131), 12.5% for the Austral E-Tech 200 (11 of 88), 25% for the new Duster Hybrid 140 (3 of 12) and 35% for the Jogger Hybrid 140 (6 of 17). It is a pattern repeated across six different cars since 2020, reinforced by a specific primary shaft seal campaign; even so, the Duster III reports post-date the end of that campaign (January 2024) and show a similar proportion, so we do not rely only on the size of the campaign to rate it as frequent.[1][2][3][4][7][8]
Symptoms
- Gearbox lock-up or inability to engage a gear, sometimes leaving the car immobilised.[1][2]Gears will not engage: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- The gearbox goes into safe mode and limits driving, especially on a slope.[4]Limp mode: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- A warning on the instrument panel about the risk of gearbox breakage.[1]Gearbox warning: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Noises or jerking when changing gear, related to wear of the dog clutches (crabots).[1][8]Gearbox noise: other faults that cause it · Monitor
Why it happens
The multi-mode gearbox synchronises the combustion engine and the two electric motors using dog clutches (crabots) without synchronisers, clutch or torque converter; if an actuator or the control unit loses its position reference, noises and jerking appear or the gearbox has to be replaced.[1][5]
Renault has acknowledged a primary shaft seal fault in vehicles built between 2020 and January 2024 (around 150,000 vehicles) that lets oil into the electric motor and can end in complete replacement of the gearbox.[1]
If it is not repaired: In the most serious cases the whole gearbox, which integrates the electric motors, has to be replaced; several reports describe cars off the road for weeks waiting for the part.[1][2][9]
Affected cars and years
Documented on both the 1.6 H4M (Clio, Captur, Arkana, Mégane, Jogger, Duster) and the 1.2 turbo HR12 (Austral, Espace VI): both share the same multi-mode dog-clutch gearbox design.[5][6]
| 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
Nissan
- Nissan Juke IIsince 2022
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: Diagnosis, reprogramming of the control units or complete replacement of the multi-mode gearbox (including the integrated electric motors) depending on severity.[1][2][3][4]
None of the sources we consulted publishes a price for Spain; several of the cases documented in France were resolved under the manufacturer's warranty.
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)
E-Tech multi-mode gearbox (with integrated electric motors)[1]
Replaced as a complete unit when wear of the dog clutches or oil contamination of the electric motor is severe.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
E-Tech gearbox primary shaft seal[1]
Replaced to correct the sealing fault that lets oil into the electric motor, the subject of a manufacturer campaign.
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
Recalls, campaigns and claims
RecallRenault
Replacement of the E-Tech gearbox primary shaft seal
E-Tech vehicles built between 2020 and January 2024 (around 150,000 units) at risk of the primary shaft seal letting oil into the electric motor; the fix is to replace the seal or, in the most serious cases, the complete gearbox.[1]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Do all E-Tech versions have the same gearbox problem?
Yes: both the 1.6 H4M (Clio, Captur, Arkana, Mégane, Duster, Jogger) and the 1.2 turbo HR12 (Austral, Espace VI) use the same multi-mode dog-clutch gearbox design, and the fault pattern is documented in reports for both.[1][4][5][6]
Does the primary shaft seal campaign fix the problem?
It corrects the sealing fault that lets oil into the electric motor on vehicles built up to January 2024, but reports from later cars (such as the Duster III) still show a similar proportion of gearbox faults, so we have not been able to confirm that it resolves every case.[1][7]
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 severityFrequency: 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 severityFrequency: 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).
- Medium severityFrequency: 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.
More faults with the automated manual gearbox on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Common1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTECi-SHIFT automated gearbox actuator failureYes: the i-SHIFT gearbox (a single automated clutch) in the Jazz II and Civic VIII fails repeatedly at its electronic actuator, between 95,000 and 180,000 km; in the worst case, the repair was not worth it against the car's value. Honda also updated the software for a separate reverse-gear fault.Appears at around 95,000 km
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalDualogicActuator or hydraulic pressure fault: the gearbox drops into neutral on its own or refuses gearsYes: when the actuator, the position sensor or the electrohydraulic control pressure stop validating the engaged gear, the Dualogic can drop into neutral on its own while driving or refuse to engage gears. Several cases are documented, some described as very dangerous, on a bend or when leaving a motorway.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalDualogicPremature wear or breakage of the Dualogic clutchThe Dualogic clutch can wear out or break sooner than expected: there are documented cases of a failed clutch ("HS") at 27,000 km on a Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir and of breakage at 35,000 km on a 1.2, far below the usual life of a clutch.Appears at around 27,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic VIIISoftware fault in the i-Shift automated gearbox that can prevent starting or make the car roll backwardsYes: Honda recalled Civics with the i-Shift automated gearbox built between May 2008 and December 2011 because a software error could stop the car from moving, cause the engine to stall abruptly or make the car roll backwards unintentionally when restarting after using reverse.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo 147Hydraulic pump and actuator failures on the Selespeed robotised gearboxAlfa Romeo 147 versions with the Selespeed robotised gearbox occasionally suffer failures of the hydraulic pump and actuator that control the clutch and gears, with jerky shifts or difficulty engaging gear.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C4 Picasso IBMP6 robotised gearbox faults: jerks and actuatorThe listing records 81 reports on the BMP6 robotised gearbox, with jerks, slow gear engagement and actuator failures at around 120,000 km.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Duster 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia JoggerFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French