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E-Tech Híbrido vs 1.33 Dual VVT-i: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the 1.33 Dual VVT-i: 32/100 (moderate risk) versus 54/100 (high risk). The E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)»; the 1.33 Dual VVT-i has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Excessive oil consumption from piston wear».

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.33 Dual VVT-i

54

High risk · 1 serious fault

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 1.33 Dual VVT-i reliable?

Yes, with caveats: the 1.33 Dual VVT-i (1NR-FE) is a simple naturally aspirated engine, with no turbo or DPF, and a timing chain. Units built before 2013 carry a factory defect in the pistons, acknowledged by Toyota in a technical bulletin, that sends oil consumption soaring and can end in engine replacement; Toyota corrected it from 2013. We found no specific pattern of water pump or sensor faults; keep an eye on the clutch, manual or with the MMT gearbox.[4][5][6]

See the 3 of the 1.33 Dual VVT-i faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of E-Tech Híbrido and 1.33 Dual VVT-i
E-Tech Híbrido1.33 Dual VVT-i
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,598 cm³1,329 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power140–200 hp97–105 hp
Productionsince 2020[1][7][8]since 2008[4][9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk54High 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: Excessive oil consumption from piston wear
  2. Medium severity: Hard cold starting and fault code P1604
  3. Medium severity: Premature clutch wear and MMT gearbox actuator faults
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 1.33 Dual VVT-i (1NR-FE, revised pistons and rings, from 2013)[6]
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]
  • 1.33 Dual VVT-i (1NR-FE, first series, 2008-2013)[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

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

1.33 Dual VVT-i

See the 8 models with the 1.33 Dual VVT-i

Other comparisons

With the E-Tech Híbrido

With the 1.33 Dual VVT-i

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. Toyota NR engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Toyota 1.33 1NR-FE: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Toyota Yaris III (XP13) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published August 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Toyota istWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Toyota iQWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  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