Renault-Nissan 1.2 TCe / 1.2 DIG-T (H5Ft / HRA2DDT)Timing chain
Timing chain stretch and breakage on the 1.2 TCe
Why this rating?
High severity: Risk of a serious engine, turbo or gearbox failure.
Frequency occasional: L'argus reports chain breakages found in these engines and the Renault and Nissan technical notes include replacing the tensioner within the oil consumption repair, but there are no figures on how many cars have been affected.[2][3][4]
Symptoms
- Abnormal engine noise; this is the sign that leads the workshop to check the tensioner and measure compression.[2][4]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- It is usually preceded by oil consumption and a low level on the dipstick.[2]Uses oil: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- In the most serious cases, the chain breaks.[2]
Why it happens
When the engine runs with little oil, the camshaft phaser vibrates; that vibration gradually stretches the chain until it can break.[2]
The Renault and Nissan technical notes point to the chain tensioner as the part to check when the engine is noisy.[3][4]
If it is not repaired: A stretched or broken chain means a major repair: if compression is already poor, the dealer network replaces the short block or the complete engine, for which L'argus cites about €6,000 in France.[2]
Affected cars and years
The sources link it to the lack of oil in engines with excessive consumption, that is, those built up to mid-2016.[2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TCe 115-130 / 1.2 DIG-T 115 (H5Ft / HRA2DDT, built up to mid-2016) | 2012–2016 | H5FtHRA2DDT |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Dacia
- Dacia Duster I2013–2017
- Dacia Lodgy2013–2019
- Dacia Dokker2013–2018
Mercedes-Benz
- Mercedes-Benz Citan W4152013–2021
Nissan
- Nissan Qashqai II2014–2018
- Nissan Juke I2014–2018
- Nissan Pulsar2015–2018
Renault
- Renault Clio IV2013–2018
- Renault Captur I2013–2018
- Renault Mégane III2013–2016
- Renault Mégane IV2016–2018
- Renault Scénic III2013–2016
- Renault Kadjar2015–2018
- Renault Kangoo II2014–2020
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner and, where applicable, the chain.[2]
We have not found published prices for a tensioner or chain replacement for this engine. If the damage means changing the engine, L'argus speaks of about €6,000 in France for an exchange engine.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Listen to the engine on a cold start and at idle: a metallic noise from the timing is a reason to ask for a check before buying.[2][4]
- Ask for a compression test: with less than a 25% difference between cylinders, the network only changes the tensioner; above that, it replaces the short block or the engine.[2]
- Check the oil level and ask about consumption: the chain suffers when the engine runs low on oil.[2]
- Do not expect an invoice for periodic chain replacement, because the maintenance schedule does not include it; do ask for any for a tensioner or chain repair.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links
How to prevent it
- Keep the oil level between the minimum and maximum and watch consumption: it is the best protection for this engine's chain.[2]
- Do the oil changes on time and with the oil approved by the manufacturer.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 26 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1.2 TCe chain need replacing at a set mileage?
No. The timing is by chain and has no scheduled replacement; the maintenance schedule only lists the accessory belt, which Autofácil put at 150,000 km and about €254 on a Mégane in 2015.[1]
Why does the chain stretch on this engine?
According to the technical documentation reported by L'argus, the cause is lack of oil: with a low level the camshaft phaser vibrates and the chain gradually lengthens until it can break.[2]
What does the main dealer do if the timing is noisy?
It measures compression. If the difference between cylinders is below 25%, it replaces the chain tensioner; if greater, it replaces the short block or the complete engine.[2][4]
Does it affect engines built after 2016?
The sources link it to oil consumption in engines built before mid-2016. We have not found cases in later production documented by independent sources.[2]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.2 TCe faults
More faults with the timing chain on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTiming chain stretchYes: the timing chain on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel can slip or stretch prematurely and put the engine out of time, with a risk of serious failure. It is documented on the Evoque, Discovery Sport, XE, E-Pace and F-Pace, with engine failures between 90,000 and 130,000 km in several owner reports.Repair (garage): €4,000–€7,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Renault Mégane 1.2 TCe: ¿cuánto cuesta su mantenimiento?Autofácil · Motoring press · published 20 July 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Casse moteur Renault 1.2 TCe : 107 000 Renault concernéesL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 March 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Moteur 1.2 Renault - 400 000 voitures en dangerUFC-Que Choisir (Que Choisir Ensemble) · Consumer association · published 24 May 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Renault 1.2 TCe et Nissan 1.2 DIG-T : des moteurs gourmands en huileL'argus · Motoring press · published 12 October 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French