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E-Tech Híbrido 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 E-Tech Híbrido: 25/100 versus 32/100 (both moderate risk). The E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)»; 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

E-Tech Híbrido

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

25

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

13 sourcesHow we work

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.[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido 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.[4][5][6][7]

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

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of E-Tech Híbrido and 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
E-Tech Híbrido2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,598 cm³1,998 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power140–200 hp135–250 hp
Productionsince 2020[1][8][9]since 2000[10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults43
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  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
  1. Critical severity: Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance
  2. Medium severity: Faulty camshaft variable valve timing pulley
  3. Medium severity: F4RT ignition coil failure
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[2][11]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[12]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[3][13]
  • 2.0 16v naturally aspirated 135-197 hp (F4R)[4][5]
  • 2.0 turbo 165-250 hp (F4RT)[6][7]
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

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Other comparisons

With the E-Tech Híbrido

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.

  1. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Pannes Renault Mégane 2 (testimonios por motorización)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité occasion Renault Mégane II (2002-2009)CarVerif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. Renaultsport Megane checkpointsevo · Motoring press · published 20 November 2008 · consulted 5 October 2026
  7. RenaultSport Megane 225 buying guide, history and reviewOctane · Motoring press · published 7 February 2025 · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Moteur F Renault (F4R y F4RT)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French