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1.4 and 1.6 8v vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the 1.4 and 1.6 8v: 32/100 versus 48/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.4 and 1.6 8v has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «LPG tank corrosion»; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

1.4 and 1.6 8v

48

Moderate risk · 3 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

15 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.4 and 1.6 8v reliable?

The K7J (1.4) and K7M (1.6) are the original 8-valve, single-camshaft versions of Renault's «K» family: simple naturally aspirated engines that are, on the whole, reliable. None of the sources consulted documents oil consumption or faults that destroy the block. The most frequently cited weak points are the crankshaft sensor, the head gasket and the ignition coils; on Dacia's LPG versions, corrosion of the gas tank is added to the list.[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the 1.4 and 1.6 8v 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 1.4 and 1.6 8v and E-Tech Híbrido
1.4 and 1.6 8vE-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,598 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power75–90 hp140–200 hp
Productionsince 1995[7][8][9]since 2020[4][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)48Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: LPG tank corrosion
  2. High severity: Timing belt breakage or failure
  3. High severity: Head gasket (and, in some cases, cylinder head)
  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 versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 8V 75 hp (K7J, 1995-2012)[1][2][3][12]
  • 1.6 8V 90 hp (K7M, 1995-2012)[1][2]
  • 1.4 8V 75 hp LPG (K7J 714, Dacia, 2008-2012)[3]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[5][13]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[14]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[6][15]
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

1.4 and 1.6 8v

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the 1.4 and 1.6 8v

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. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Sandero 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  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. Renault K-Type engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Moteur K RenaultWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Kangoo 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French