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1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC: 32/100 versus 48/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «i-SHIFT automated gearbox actuator failure»; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC

48

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

18 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC reliable?

A family of naturally aspirated Honda petrol engines with a timing chain (no belt to replace). The L-series blocks (1.2 and 1.3/1.4, sold as the "1.4") and the R-series (1.8) have a reputation for robustness. The documented weak point is not the engine block but the i-SHIFT automated gearbox of the Jazz II and Civic VIII, along with the clutch and flywheel, which wear out sooner than expected.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC faults

Is the E-Tech Híbrido reliable?

The E-Tech combines a combustion engine (1.6 H4M naturally aspirated or 1.2 HR12 turbo) with electric motors and a multi-mode gearbox with no clutch or torque converter. Its best-documented weak point is the gearbox itself: reports from the Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Duster and Jogger describe warnings of a risk of breakage, and Renault has launched two campaigns since 2020 (an electrical fault and a primary shaft seal). The 12 V battery also fails fairly often.[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC and E-Tech Híbrido
1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTECE-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,598 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power83–143 hp140–200 hp
Production2001–2020[1][2][8]since 2020[5][9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)48Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: i-SHIFT automated gearbox actuator failure
  2. High severity: Loosening of the water pump pulley and accessory belt failure
  3. Medium severity: Premature clutch and flywheel wear
  1. High severity: Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)
  2. High severity: Stalling and injection warnings on the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12)
  3. Medium severity: Hybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't start
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.4 i-DSI 83 (L13A1, Civic VII and VIII)[1][11]
  • 1.2 i-VTEC 90 (Jazz II)[3]
  • 1.3 i-VTEC 102 (Jazz III)[12]
  • 1.5 i-VTEC 130 (Jazz III)[12]
  • 1.3 i-VTEC IMA hybrid 98+14 (LDA-MF3, Insight II and Jazz Hybrid)[3][13]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 i-VTEC 100 (L13Z1, Civic VIII, Civic IX and Jazz II)[3][4]
  • 1.8 i-VTEC 140 (R18A2, Civic VIII)[4][14]
  • 1.8 i-VTEC 143 (R18Z4, Civic IX)[15]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[6][16]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[17]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[7][18]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

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

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTEC

With the E-Tech Híbrido

Compare other engines

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Sources

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

  1. Honda L engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Honda R engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Fiabilité et pannes Honda Jazz 2 (2008-2015)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2006-2011)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Honda JazzWikipedia (DE) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Honda Civic (seventh generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Fiabilité et pannes Honda Jazz 3 (2015-2020)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Honda InsightWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  14. Honda Civic 8 (2005-2011): alle bekannten Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  15. Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  17. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French