Skip to content
MotorFiable

H4Bt-400H4Bt-408H4Bt-410

0.9 TCe 90 (H4Bt, 2012-2024) engine: faults and reliability

Renault-Nissan-Daimler 0.9 TCe (H4Bt / M281 / Nissan HR09DET) version

With caution

The reliability record is positive and better than that of its sibling the 1.2 TCe, without the oil consumption or rate of chain problems so well documented for that engine. Check the coolant history (leak at the thermostat housing) and, to a lesser extent, any history of noise or work on the timing chain before buying.[1][2]

Years
2012–2024
Power
90 hp
Faults that affect it
5
3 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
8
in our database

11 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

It was introduced in late 2012 with the launch of the Renault Clio IV. A later revision added an overboost function that briefly raises power and torque above the nominal values of 90 hp and 135 Nm, with no relevant change in reliability documented by the sources.[1][3]

Engine codes of this version: H4Bt-400, H4Bt-408, H4Bt-410.

Faults of the H4Bt-400 engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant leak at the thermostat housingThe 0.9 TCe can lose coolant through the thermostat housing (calorstat) gasket. It is the most-cited fault of this engine: if not detected in time, the low level can end up damaging the head gasket.
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain or tensioner failureThe 0.9 TCe's timing chain tensioner can lose effectiveness over time. It is a minority of cases, but when the chain jumps the damage is serious: there is a documented case with a complete engine replacement at 80,000 km.
  3. 3High severityFrequency: RareTurboTurbocharger wear or failureThe 0.9 TCe's turbo can lose performance or fail, although the available statistics put it as an infrequent fault on this specific engine.
  4. 4Low severityFrequency: RareInjectionJerking due to an injection calibration that needs reprogrammingSome 0.9 TCe engines show slight jerking when accelerating because of an injection calibration that is corrected by reprogramming the ECU, without it being mechanical damage.
  5. 5Low severityFrequency: RareLubricationOil consumption (uncommon on this engine)Unlike other engines in the same family, the 0.9 TCe does not show a widespread pattern of excessive oil consumption: the sources document only a minority of cases.

Cars fitted with the H4Bt-400 engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Dacia

Nissan

Renault

Smart

Frequently asked questions

Is the H4Bt-400 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. The reliability record is positive and better than that of its sibling the 1.2 TCe, without the oil consumption or rate of chain problems so well documented for that engine. Check the coolant history (leak at the thermostat housing) and, to a lesser extent, any history of noise or work on the timing chain before buying.[1][2]

What faults does the H4Bt-400 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: coolant leak at the thermostat housing (high severity), timing chain or tensioner failure (critical severity), turbocharger wear or failure (high severity), jerking due to an injection calibration that needs reprogramming (low severity) and oil consumption (uncommon on this engine) (low severity).

Which cars use the H4Bt-400 engine?

Renault Clio IV (2012–2019), Renault Captur I (2013–2019), Dacia Sandero II (2012–2020), Dacia Logan II (2012–2020), Renault Twingo III (2014–2024), Smart Fortwo (2014–2019), Smart Forfour (2014–2019) and Nissan Micra V (2017–2019).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]

Are you buying a car with the H4Bt-400 engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Moteur H Renault-NissanWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité des 0.9 TCeFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Renault ClioWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault CapturFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Dacia SanderoWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Dacia Logan - WikipediaWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
  7. Renault TwingoWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Mercedes-Benz M281 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Smart FortwoWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Smart ForfourWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Nissan Micra - WikipediaWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German