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1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) carries less risk than the E-Tech Híbrido: 14/100 (low risk) versus 32/100 (moderate risk). The 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) has no documented serious faults; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)

14

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

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

16 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) reliable?

Nissan's three-cylinder 1.2 (80 hp naturally aspirated or 98 hp DIG-S with supercharger) has a reputation for simplicity and durability. The only documented item is a recall over the ignition coil on DIG-S units built between 2015 and 2016; the CVT gearbox is a separate matter.[1][2][3]

See the of the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) fault

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 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) and E-Tech Híbrido
1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)E-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,198 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power80–98 hp140–200 hp
Production2010–2017[7][8][9]since 2020[4][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)14Low risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults14
Of high or critical severity02
Worst severityMedium severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Short-circuited ignition coil: the engine stalls and will not restart
  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
  • 1.2 HR12DE 80 hp (Micra K13 and Note E12, 2010-2017)[1][2]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.2 DIG-S HR12DDR 98 hp with supercharger (Micra K13 and Note E12, 2011-2017)[3][12][13]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[5][14]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[15]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[6][16]
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 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)

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. Nissan Micra K13: bezawaryjne auto miejskieOtomoto · Motoring press · published 30 October 2020 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in another language
  2. Nissan Micra (K12, K13, K14): Probleme, Schwachstellen und Krankheitencarwiki.de · General press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  3. Nissan Note: problemas comunes y llamadas a revisióncar-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  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. Nissan HR engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  8. Nissan MicraWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  9. Nissan NoteWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  10. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Nissan Micra (K13/E12): el motor se apaga estando en funcionamientoHELLA · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Il motore si spegne improvvisamente anche durante la marcia (Nissan Micra K13)Carpedia · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in another language
  14. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French