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Renault 1.6 E-Tech hybrid (H4M) engine: reliability and faults

Hybrid · 1,598 cm³ · 140, 145, 160 hp · since 2020

Good choice, check first
Reliability
4.0/5

3 known faults

Verdict

A naturally aspirated 1.6 four-cylinder combined with two electric motors and a dog-clutch gearbox with no clutch: 140 hp then 145 hp in full hybrid form (1.2 kWh battery), and 160 hp in plug-in hybrid form (9.8 kWh battery). The combustion engine itself is not at fault; the hybrid transmission is: gearbox jerking and failures on the early versions, and an O-ring that lets oil leak into the electric motor, subject to Renault special technical operations (OTS). Ask for proof that the Renault campaigns have been carried out and monitor the 12 V battery.

Years to favour or avoid

To favour
No year particularly to favour
To avoid
2020, 2021, 2022

Known faults

Oil leak from the primary shaft O-ring into the electric motor

Severity 2/3 · Costly

A design defect in the O-ring of the hollow primary shaft lets gearbox oil seep into the main electric motor. Symptoms: an electric motor overheating message, and loss of traction on start-up that may require towing. Renault launched a corrective OTS on 21 May 2024 (replacing the seal and cleaning the electric motor, or replacing the gearbox in case of loss of traction), then a second OTS in September 2024. The production periods concerned vary between sources: check with the serial number through Renault.

Versions
e-tech-1-6
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Noises, jerking and hybrid gearbox failures (early 140 hp versions)

Severity 2/3 · Costly

The dog-clutch gearbox is slow to downshift and prone to jerking and hesitation on acceleration; dashboard alerts followed by failures are reported, especially on 2020-2021 vehicles. One owner of a Clio delivered in 2020 reports a damaged gearbox containing metal debris, replaced by the manufacturer.

Versions
e-tech-1-6
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Discharged 12 V battery

Severity 1/3 · Annoying

The 12 V battery can fail, particularly on cars driven little or left standing for several weeks. When it is too low, the car will no longer start or goes into limp mode with a cascade of warnings.

Versions
e-tech-1-6
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Models fitted

  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: DanielPrzygoda, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mitsubishi Colt

    since 2023 · Petrol, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €394/month
    See the guide : Mitsubishi Colt
  • Excellent choice

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Renault Captur

    since 2019 · Petrol, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €408/month
    See the guide : Renault Captur
  • Good choice

    Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

    Renault Clio

    since 2019 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €355/month
    See the guide : Renault Clio
  • Buy with care

    Photo: Herranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Renault Mégane

    2016–2023 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €460/month
    See the guide : Renault Mégane

Maintain and diagnose this engine

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 car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.