1.2 16v vs 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT carries less risk than the 1.2 16v: 25/100 versus 36/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.2 16v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Damaged head gasket and coolant loss»; the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance».

Risk index

1.2 16v

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

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

Reviewed on 5 October 202617 sources How we work

Is the 1.2 16v reliable?

The 1.2 16v (D4F) and its 8-valve predecessor, the D7F, are simple naturally aspirated engines, used for over two decades as the entry-level option in Renault and Dacia cars, with a reputation for reliability: the reliability pages consulted document no catastrophic failures and no oil consumption. The most-cited problems are ignition coils and sensors and, on higher-mileage cars, the head gasket.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.2 16v faults

Is the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT reliable?

In the sources we consulted, the 2.0-litre F4R and F4RT show no engine-destroying design faults, but the timing belt must be changed on time, and the coils (RS) and the variable valve timing pulley appear as weak points. We have found no reliable sources on oil consumption or big-end bearings.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.2 16v and 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Item	1.2 16v	2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,149 cm³	1,998 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	60–76 hp	135–250 hp
Production	2001–2020^{[9][10][11][12]}	since 2000^[13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	36Moderate risk	25Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	3
Of high or critical severity	1	1
Worst severity	High severity	Critical severity
Main faults	High severity: Damaged head gasket and coolant loss Medium severity: Ignition coil failure (misfires, engine warning light) Medium severity: Probe and sensor faults (crankshaft position, throttle body)	Critical severity: Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance Medium severity: Faulty camshaft variable valve timing pulley Medium severity: F4RT ignition coil failure
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	1.2 16v 75/76 (D4F, 2001-2020)^{[1][2][3][4][14][15][16][17]} 1.2 16v 60 (D4F 708, Twingo I, 2004-2007)^[11]	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	None	2.0 16v naturally aspirated 135-197 hp (F4R)^[5][6] 2.0 turbo 165-250 hp (F4RT)^[7][8]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

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 16v

See the 12 models with the 1.2 16v

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Other comparisons

With the 1.2 16v

With the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

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.

Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Sandero 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Maxi-fiche fiabilité : la Renault Twingo 2Caradisiac · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Pannes Renault Mégane 2 (testimonios por motorización)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Fiabilité occasion Renault Mégane II (2002-2009)CarVerif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Renaultsport Megane checkpointsevo · Motoring press · published 20 November 2008 · consulted 5 October 2026
RenaultSport Megane 225 buying guide, history and reviewOctane · Motoring press · published 7 February 2025 · consulted 5 October 2026
Moteur D RenaultWikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Renault TwingoWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Renault Clio IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Moteur F Renault (F4R y F4RT)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault KangooFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia LoganFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia SanderoFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French