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0.9 TCe vs 1.8 TCe: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8 TCe carries less risk than the 0.9 TCe: 32/100 versus 49/100 (both moderate risk). The 0.9 TCe has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Coolant leak at the thermostat housing»; the 1.8 TCe has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars».

Risk index

0.9 TCe

49

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.8 TCe

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

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the 0.9 TCe reliable?

The 0.9 TCe (H4Bt) is a three-cylinder turbo with a good reliability reputation, better than that of its sibling the 1.2 TCe: it does not share the same oil consumption or the same rate of chain problems. Its most-cited weak point is a coolant leak at the thermostat housing, which if ignored can end up damaging the head gasket; chain, turbo and lambda sensor cases appear less often.[1][2]

See the 5 of the 0.9 TCe faults

Is the 1.8 TCe reliable?

The 1.8 TCe (M5P) in the Alpine A110 and the Mégane R.S. IV has no documented endemic faults. What has been published are recalls for the A110: the oil pressure solenoid valve (2019) and the fuel pump (2021 and 2023). We have found no recalls or complaints about this engine in the Mégane R.S.[3][4][5][6]

See the 2 of the 1.8 TCe faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 0.9 TCe and 1.8 TCe
0.9 TCe1.8 TCe
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement898 cm³1,798 cm³
TimingChain—
Power90 hp252–350 hp
Production2012–2024[1][2][7][8][9]2017–2026[6][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)49Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults52
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Coolant leak at the thermostat housing
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain or tensioner failure
  3. High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
  1. High severity: A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars
  2. High severity: A110 fuel pump that can leave the car unable to start when hot
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 1.8 TCe 280–300 hp (M5P, Mégane R.S. IV, 2018–2023)[3][5][6]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 0.9 TCe 90 (H4Bt, 2012-2024)[1][2]
  • 1.8 TCe 252–350 hp (M5P, Alpine A110, 2017–2026)[3][5]
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

0.9 TCe

See the 8 models with the 0.9 TCe

1.8 TCe

Other comparisons

With the 0.9 TCe

With the 1.8 TCe

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. Fiabilité des 0.9 TCeFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Moteur H Renault-NissanWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Rappels Alpine A110 (2019). Risque de casse moteurL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 August 2019 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  4. Rappel Alpine A110. La pompe à essence de 2 849 exemplaires remplacéeL'argus · Motoring press · published 7 September 2021 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  5. Alpine A110. Un nouveau rappel pour remplacer des pompes à essenceL'argus · Motoring press · published 25 October 2023 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  6. Renault Mégane IVWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  7. Mercedes-Benz M281 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Renault ClioWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Dacia SanderoWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026
  11. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French