1.2 TCe (H5Ft) ENGINE – PROBLEMS, OIL CONSUMPTION, TIMING CHAIN ​​AND SOLUTIONS

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✅ Introduction to the 1.2 TCe H5Ft engine

The 1.2 TCe H5Ft is a 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developed by Renault and also used by Nissan and Dacia . It equipped popular models such as the Renault Captur, Mégane, Kadjar, Qashqai, Dacia Duster and other vehicles produced between 2012 and 2016.

Despite good performance and low fuel consumption, it has gained a reputation as a problematic engine , to the point that many experts advise against buying a used one unless supported by documented interventions.

⚠️ Main symptoms of the 1.2 TCe engine (2012–2016)

Early recognition of the typical symptoms of the 1.2 TCe H5Ft is essential to prevent serious breakdowns. Below are the most common symptoms reported by garages and motorists:

1. Abnormal oil consumption

• Frequent top-ups : in many cases more than 1 litre every 1,000 km .
• The level drops rapidly between services.
• Oil pressure warning light that comes on when accelerating or cornering.

Why it's dangerous: A chronic low level can lead to irreversible damage to valves, turbine and main bearings.

2. Smoke from the exhaust

• Blueish smoke → burning engine oil.
• Persistent white smoke → possible oil leakage into combustion chamber or valve damage.
• More noticeable when cold or after long stops, when oil seeps into the cylinders.

Clear sign that oil is entering the combustion chamber due to excessively worn piston rings.

3. Engine warning lights and electronic errors

• Check Engine on with codes related to oil pressure or air-fuel mixture .
• “ Anti-pollution system fault ” messages.
• Common OBD errors: P0171 (lean mixture), P0300 (multiple misfires).

They often appear together with abnormal oil consumption or irregular operation.

4. Metallic noises from the engine compartment

• Ringing or ticking noises when starting from cold.
• Metallic noise increasing with engine revs.
• Typical symptom of a stretched timing chain or faulty chain tensioner.

Ignoring this noise means risking timing misalignment with serious and immediate damage to the engine.

5. Loss of power and irregular operation

• Gaps in acceleration or sudden drops in power.
• Irregular idling and abnormal engine vibrations.
• Increased fuel consumption compared to the norm.

Associated with valve wear, oil consumption, and combustion inefficiency. Long-term → turbine failure or catalytic converter damage.

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💡 Practical tip: If you notice 2 or more of these symptoms together , it's highly likely that the engine is experiencing the typical 1.2 TCe issues. In this case, an immediate check-up in the workshop is necessary, with electronic diagnostics and an oil/chain level check.

📊 Quick self-diagnosis table (1.2 TCe engine 2012–2016)

Symptom	Possible cause	Urgent intervention
Oil consumption over 1L/1000 km	Segment/cylinder defect, oil passage in chamber	High – risk of damage to valves, turbine and bearings
Blue/white smoke from the exhaust	Burnt oil in combustion, damaged exhaust valves	High – risk of engine failure
Engine light on	Oil pressure or air/fuel mixture error	Average – OBD diagnosis within a few days
Cold metallic noises	Stretched timing chain, inefficient chain tensioner	High – risk of distribution mismatch
Gaps in acceleration / power drops	Irregular combustion due to oil in the chamber, worn valves	Medium – risk of progressive worsening

Urgency legend: High = immediate intervention recommended · Medium = schedule workshop soon.

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🔎 Technical causes of the 1.2 TCe engine (2012–2016)

The critical issues with the 1.2 TCe H5Ft are not linked to individual defective components, but to a problematic overall design . Here are the main technical causes that have made this engine so controversial:

1. Design defects and incorrect tolerances

• The tolerances between pistons, rings and cylinders were too wide.
• This allowed oil to pass into the combustion chamber , resulting in abnormal fuel consumption.
• Cascading effect: carbon deposits on valves and pistons, increased emissions and risk of seizures.

Consequence: an engine that can consume more than 1 litre of oil every 1,000 km without any obvious external leaks.

2. Exhaust valves damaged by heat

• Burning oil in the chamber generates abnormal exhaust temperatures .
• Exhaust valves are exposed to thermal stresses beyond their design limits.
• Over time they can warp, burn or break .

Consequence: loss of compression, irregular operation and in the most serious cases complete engine failure .

3. Defective timing chain

• The timing chain, theoretically “for life”, has shown cases of premature elongation already at 80–100,000 km.
• The chain tensioner did not provide constant tension, worsening the phase shift.
• The first signs are metallic noises when cold and engine warning lights related to incorrect timing.

Consequence: If ignored, timing mismatch leads to collision between pistons and valves, with irreversible damage.

4. Compromised lubrication

• Abnormal oil consumption often leaves the engine under-lubricated .
• The main bearings and the turbine are the most exposed components.
• Air intake or degraded oil residues can worsen the phenomenon.

Consequence: premature wear of the turbine (noise, loss of thrust) and risk of seizure of the bushings, leading to total engine failure.

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💡 Technical note: The combination of these four causes makes the 2012–2016 1.2 TCe one of the most delicate engines of its generation. One defect can quickly trigger others → for this reason, it is considered a "risk" engine for used vehicles, unless documented inspections are carried out.

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🛠️ Solutions and interventions

Maintaining a 2012–2016 1.2 TCe engine requires proactive maintenance and quick decisions at the first signs of wear. Here are the recommended interventions, from the simplest to the most invasive:

1. Constant monitoring of the oil level

• Check the oil every 500 km or before long trips.
• Always use oil with Renault RN17/RN0710 specification and recommended viscosity.
• Keep a record of your top-ups: a consumption exceeding 1L/1000 km is a serious warning sign.

2. Control unit software updates

• Renault has released software updates to improve fuel management and reduce fuel consumption.
• Many owners have resolved OBD errors and engine warning lights after the update.
• Economic intervention, often covered on the official network .

3. Preventive mechanical interventions

• Replace timing chain and tensioner at the first metallic noises when starting or driving.
• Check oil pressure and bearing condition during thorough servicing.
• Check the turbine: possible blue smoke when releasing = beginning of wear.

4. Engine overhaul or replacement

• If oil consumption is excessive and the chain has already given rise to problems → a complete overhaul with new pistons and valves is often advisable.
• Alternatively: replace the engine with an updated unit (post 2017, more reliable).
• Permanent but more expensive solution, recommended if the car still has sufficient market value.

📊 Summary table of interventions

Intervention	When to do it	Expected benefits
Oil check and top-ups	Every 500 km or if the oil light flashes	Prevent serious damage to turbine/valve
ECU software update	During a service in the Renault network	Reduces abnormal warning lights and improves fuel management
Timing chain replacement	At the first cold metallic noises	Prevents engine misalignment and breakdown
Engine overhaul/replacement	In case of extreme oil consumption or a blown chain	Restoring long-term reliability

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✅ Expert tip: Many owners have extended the life of their 1.2 TCe simply by checking the oil frequently and replacing the chain promptly . Ignoring the first symptoms, however, almost always leads to expensive complete overhauls.

💰 Average repair costs

Intervention	Description	Average cost*
Timing chain replacement	Chain + tensioner	€800–€1,200
Frequent oil top-ups	+1L every 1,000 km	€15–€25 each.
Engine overhaul	Valves, pistons, bushings	€3,000–€5,500
New/Replacement Engine	Unit updated post-2017	€6,000–€8,000

*Indicative prices excluding VAT, variable by workshop and area.

🧾 Advice for those considering a used car with a 1.2 TCe engine

• Avoid 2012–2016 models without engine work documentation.
• Ask for evidence of oil top-ups and any official recalls .
• Check the condition of the timing chain in the workshop with a sound test or diagnosis.
• If the car consumes a lot of oil → consider having it serviced or skip the purchase.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions