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M270/M274 vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the M270/M274: 32/100 versus 43/100 (both moderate risk). The M270/M274 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Camshaft breakage due to a defective weld (2015 units)»; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

M270/M274

43

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

12 sourcesHow we work

Is the M270/M274 reliable?

The M270 (transverse, front-wheel drive) and the M274 (longitudinal, rear-wheel drive) are the family of turbocharged, direct-injection 4-cylinder engines that Mercedes-Benz has fitted since 2011 in 1.6 and 2.0 litres. They are generally solid engines —the timing chain no longer gives trouble— but with documented faults: camshaft breakage caused by a defective weld (2015) and, on the M274, oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster into the connector.[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the M270/M274 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.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of M270/M274 and E-Tech Híbrido
M270/M274E-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,991 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power102–245 hp140–200 hp
Productionsince 2011[1][7]since 2020[4][8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity12
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Camshaft breakage due to a defective weld (2015 units)
  2. Medium severity: Oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster into the electrical connector (M274)
  3. Medium severity: Coolant leaks: thermostat and expansion tank
  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 repairup to €500NOx sensor failure (code P2200) on the M274Published figure[2]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • M270 1.6 turbo 102-156 hp[3]
  • M270 2.0 turbo 156-218 hp[3]
  • M274 2.0 turbo 156-245 hp[2][3]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[5][10]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[11]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[6][12]
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

M270/M274

See the 10 models with the M270/M274

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the M270/M274

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. Mercedes-Benz M270 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Mercedes M274: Typische Probleme & HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Mercedes M270: Typische Probleme & HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Mercedes-Benz Clase A (2012): información técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French