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1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) vs 1.4 and 1.6 16v: 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 1.4 and 1.6 16v: 14/100 (low risk) versus 45/100 (moderate risk). The 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) has no documented serious faults; the 1.4 and 1.6 16v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt breakage or premature failure».

Risk index

1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)

14

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.4 and 1.6 16v

45

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

20 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 1.4 and 1.6 16v reliable?

The K4J (1.4) and K4M (1.6), both naturally aspirated 16-valve units, are simple and generally reliable petrol engines: no source consulted documents oil consumption or faults that destroy the block. Their most-cited weak point is the ignition coils, followed by the crankshaft sensor and, on versions with a variable valve timing unit, its pulley; a neglected belt can cause serious damage, as one case in the Renault Laguna II documents.[4][5][6][7]

See the 6 of the 1.4 and 1.6 16v faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) and 1.4 and 1.6 16v
1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)1.4 and 1.6 16v
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,198 cm³—
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power80–98 hp75–135 hp
Production2010–2017[8][9][10]since 1998[11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)14Low risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults16
Of high or critical severity01
Worst severityMedium severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Short-circuited ignition coil: the engine stalls and will not restart
  1. Medium severity: Ignition coil failure
  2. High severity: Timing belt breakage or premature failure
  3. Medium severity: Crankshaft position sensor failure
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]
  • 1.6 16V 105-110 hp Dacia, without variable valve timing unit (K4M, 2004-2020)[7][14]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.2 DIG-S HR12DDR 98 hp with supercharger (Micra K13 and Note E12, 2011-2017)[3][15][16]
  • 1.4 16V 75-100 hp (K4J, 1999-2012)[17][18]
  • 1.6 16V 110-135 hp with variable valve timing unit (K4M, 1998-2020)[6][19][20]
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)

1.4 and 1.6 16v

See the 13 models with the 1.4 and 1.6 16v

Other comparisons

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

With the 1.4 and 1.6 16v

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. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Mégane 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Scénic 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Laguna 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Duster 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Nissan HR engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  9. Nissan MicraWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  10. Nissan NoteWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  11. Renault K-Type engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Moteur K RenaultWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Nissan Micra (K13/E12): el motor se apaga estando en funcionamientoHELLA · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  16. Il motore si spegne improvvisamente anche durante la marcia (Nissan Micra K13)Carpedia · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in another language
  17. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  19. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Mégane 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  20. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Scénic 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French