Petrol · 2010–2017
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Dacia Duster 1All about the 1.6 16v (Renault-Nissan H4M / HR16DE) engine
The 1.6 16v (Renault-Nissan H4M / HR16DE) engine was fitted to the Dacia Duster 1 (2010–2017). In the EU that is 11.2 % of all new cars of this generation.
The most expensive known risk is oil consumption (thin piston rings): it usually appears at 60,000–200,000 km and costs €0–2,000 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: About 1 L of oil per 5,000-7,000 km, more with hard driving; low oil warning between services
Fix: Check the oil level every few weeks, change oil more often (10,000 km) with a quality oil; at overhaul the pistons / rings are replaced
Signs: Ticking from the top of the engine, rough idle or hard starting; tight clearances can burn the exhaust valves
Fix: Have clearances measured every 80,000-120,000 km; adjustment means fitting tappets of the right size, which needs the camshafts out - use an experienced workshop
Signs: Gradual loss of power, especially at high revs, catalyst efficiency code (P0420), sometimes rattling from the exhaust
Fix: Find and fix the cause first (oil burning, misfire), then replace the catalyst
Signs: Clunk from the rear after a big bump, car sits unevenly or handles oddly on unfixed cars.
Fix: Check by VIN that the free recall (modified rear springs) was done.
Signs: No symptoms; the driver airbag might not deploy in a crash.
Fix: Check by VIN that the free airbag module replacement was done.
Signs: Horn stops working, smell or smoke from the steering wheel, in rare cases airbag fault on unfixed cars.
Fix: Check by VIN that the free recall repair of the horn wiring harness was done.
Signs: Knocking over rough roads, leaking dampers, broken spring or worn arm bushes found at inspection.
Fix: Replace worn bushes, anti-roll bar links, broken springs or leaking dampers in axle pairs, then align.
Signs: Play or knock in the steering, wandering, torn drive-shaft boot or clicking joint, flagged at inspection.
Fix: Replace track-rod ends (and inner rods if needed) and align; replace torn boots early before the joint is damaged.
Signs: Handbrake does not hold or pulls unevenly, uneven braking force on the rollers, rusty rigid brake lines.
Fix: Service rear drums and adjusters, free or replace handbrake cables; replace corroded brake lines.
Signs: Dead dipped-beam or tail-light bulbs, misaimed headlights, corroded lamp contacts.
Fix: Check all lights and aim before inspection; clean or replace corroded holders and connectors.
Signs: Surface rust on underbody parts, seams and bolt areas; rusted or blowing exhaust flagged at inspection.
Fix: Clean and treat rusty areas and add underbody protection; replace rusted exhaust sections.
Signs: Cracked paint along the rear roof joint near the roof rails, damp boot floor or wet front footwells.
Fix: Open up and reseal the roof seam with flexible sealer before repainting; check door seals and bulkhead sealing.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
Signs: Judder in town traffic, jerks or delay when pulling away, clatter at low speed, overheating warning in slow traffic or on hills
Fix: First a software update and clutch adaptation reset; if wear values are at the limit, replace the double clutch and check the input-shaft seals for oil on the clutch
Signs: Gearbox warning, refuses to engage a gear or drops into neutral while driving, limp mode, faults on the gearbox control unit or a speed sensor
Fix: Read the gearbox control unit with Renault-level diagnostics, update the software and relearn; replace the faulty sensor, actuator or control unit if the fault stays
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,200–4,950. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Dacia Duster 1 with the 1.6 16v (Renault-Nissan H4M / HR16DE) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (2). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: oil consumption (thin piston rings) (60,000–200,000 km, €0–2,000); catalytic converter clogging at high mileage (150,000–300,000 km, €400–1,200); axle suspension, springs and dampers fail inspection (60,000–200,000 km, €100–600); worn track-rod ends / steering joints, drive shaft defects (60,000–200,000 km, €80–400).
Chain.
5W-30 / 5W-40 · Renault RN0700 / Nissan · ~4.4 L · every 15,000 km.
1.5 dCi (K9K)1.4 / 1.6 16v (Renault K4J / K4M)1.2 TCe / DIG-T (H5Ft)
Nissan Qashqai (J10) 2006–2014Nissan Juke (F15) 2010–2019Dacia Duster II 2017–2024Nissan Note E11 2006–2013Dacia Lodgy 2012–2022Dacia Dokker 2012–2021
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026