HR12DDT / HR12DDV (Renault H5F 6xx) vs K7J/K7M
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Specifications
Character
HR12DDT / HR12DDV (Renault H5F 6xx)
"The new three-cylinder 1.2 turbo petrol of the Renault Austral, Espace, Rafale, Clio VI and Captur and the Dacia Duster III (2022 on): 48V mild hybrid (130 hp), LPG Eco-G, and the E-Tech full hybrid and plug-in hybrid (200-300 hp system power). Not related to the old four-cylinder 1.2 TCe. The full-hybrid Austral and Espace built 2022-2024 have had a string of campaigns: a crankcase breather hose that lets fuel dilute the oil (risk of engine seizure), spark plugs replaced for misfires, and cooling-system parts. Mild-hybrid versions have no known engine faults so far. Check that every Renault campaign has been done."
K7J/K7M
"Simple 8-valve petrol in 1.4 (K7J) and 1.6 (K7M) form, used in the Dacia Logan and Sandero, Clio II, Kangoo I, Megane I, Dokker and Lodgy. One of the longest-lived Renault engines: specialist sources report 300,000-400,000 km without a major overhaul. Its one serious risk is the timing belt: it is an interference engine, so a failed water pump or tensioner roller bends the valves - change the full kit every 60,000-90,000 km. Expect cheap faults: cracked ignition coils (pre-2012), oil leaks from the front crank seal and oil cooler, and a dirty idle regulator. No hydraulic lifters, so valve clearances need adjusting."