1.0 PureTech vs 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT carries less risk than the 1.0 PureTech: 25/100 (moderate risk) versus 59/100 (high risk). The 1.0 PureTech has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Excessive oil consumption through the piston rings»; the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance».

Risk index

1.0 PureTech

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

Reviewed on 30 October 202613 sources How we work

Is the 1.0 PureTech reliable?

It is a simple naturally aspirated three-cylinder, but with two documented weak points: oil consumption through the piston rings, which Stellantis acknowledges across its entire production (2012-2016), and the oil-bath timing belt it shares with the 1.2. It is only recommended with a full service history, a consumption test and a checked belt.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 3 of the 1.0 PureTech faults

Is the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT reliable?

In the sources we consulted, the 2.0-litre F4R and F4RT show no engine-destroying design faults, but the timing belt must be changed on time, and the coils (RS) and the variable valve timing pulley appear as weak points. We have found no reliable sources on oil consumption or big-end bearings.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.0 PureTech and 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Item	1.0 PureTech	2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	999 cm³	1,998 cm³
Timing	Wet belt (belt-in-oil)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	68 hp	135–250 hp
Production	2012–2016^{[2][3][9][10]}	since 2000^[11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	59High risk	25Moderate risk
Documented faults	3	3
Of high or critical severity	2	1
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	High severity: Excessive oil consumption through the piston rings Critical severity: Degradation of the oil-bath timing belt Low severity: Ignition coil and spark plug failure	Critical severity: Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance Medium severity: Faulty camshaft variable valve timing pulley Medium severity: F4RT ignition coil failure
Most expensive documented repair	up to €1,200Degradation of the oil-bath timing beltPublished figure^[12][13]	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.0 VTi / PureTech 68 (EB0, 2012-2016)^{[1][2][4][12]}	2.0 16v naturally aspirated 135-197 hp (F4R)^[5][6] 2.0 turbo 165-250 hp (F4RT)^[7][8]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.0 PureTech

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Other comparisons

With the 1.0 PureTech

With the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

Citroën, DS, Opel, Peugeot 1.2 PureTech. Nouvelle prise en charge pour la consommation d'huileL'argus · Motoring press · published 30 March 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Moteur EBWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
PSA inaugure son « trois-pattes »L'argus · Motoring press · published 28 December 2011 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Moteurs PureTech - Stellantis prend a minima ses responsabilitésUFC-Que Choisir · Consumer association · published 18 January 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Pannes Renault Mégane 2 (testimonios por motorización)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Fiabilité occasion Renault Mégane II (2002-2009)CarVerif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Renaultsport Megane checkpointsevo · Motoring press · published 20 November 2008 · consulted 5 October 2026
RenaultSport Megane 225 buying guide, history and reviewOctane · Motoring press · published 7 February 2025 · consulted 5 October 2026
Peugeot 208 5p Access 1.0 PureTech 68 (2012-2015): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Prueba de consumo (126): Peugeot 208 1.0-VTi 68 CVkm77 · Motoring press · published 5 August 2013 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Moteur F Renault (F4R y F4RT)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
1.2 PureTech: precio y cambio de correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 2 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Motor ZMZ EB0 Citroën Peugeot C3 II 208 I 1.0 VTi 68 CV usado y reconstruidoFair Motors · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish