The 1.6 16v (Renault-Nissan H4M / HR16DE) engine was fitted to the Nissan Note E11 (2006–2013). In the EU that is 21.5 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.6, 1.6 110 hp.
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.
Engine faults ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)
✓ 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.
Oil consumption (thin piston rings)
usually 60,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
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
€0–2,000
Valve clearance out of spec (no hydraulic lifters)
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
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
€250–600
Catalytic converter clogging at high mileage
usually 150,000–300,000 km · Medium risk
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
€400–1,200
Faults typical of this model
Electric power steering (EPS) motor / sensor
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Heavy steering, EPS warning
Fix: Repair or replace the column
€200–600
Takata airbag recall check
at any mileage · Medium risk
Signs: Inflators can rupture — many 2000s models were recalled
Fix: Check at the dealer with the VIN (free)
free / recall
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Automatic 4-speed (older)
Solenoids / pressure regulator (limp mode)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Harsh shifts, stuck in 3rd, gearbox warning
Fix: Fluid change, solenoid / valve body repair
€300–1,500
Service plan for this engine
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 Nissan Note E11 with the 1.6 16v (Renault-Nissan H4M / HR16DE) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
Versions of this engine in the Nissan Note E11
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (7). 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.
- Airbag Abnormal deployment of passenger airbag28/11/2017 · R/2017/226
- Airbag Drivers airbag may rupture if deployed15/02/2016 · R/2015/256
- Steering Loss of steering control04/08/2015 · R/2015/135
- Engine / loss of power Engine push start switch may malfunction04/08/2015 · R/2015/133
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Brakes may not perform correctly16/12/2010 · R/2010/226
- Fuel system Fuel may leak from particulate filter08/12/2008 · R/2008/174
- Steering Rear seat ISOFIX brackets may not perform as designed in a side impact26/07/2006 · R/2006/117
Common questions
What are the biggest risks of the Nissan Note E11 with the 1.6 16v (Renault-Nissan H4M / HR16DE) engine?
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).
Does the Nissan Note E11 1.6 16v (Renault-Nissan H4M / HR16DE) have a timing belt or a chain?
Chain.
Which oil does the Nissan Note E11 1.6 16v (Renault-Nissan H4M / HR16DE) need?
5W-30 / 5W-40 · Renault RN0700 / Nissan · ~4.4 L · every 15,000 km.
Sources and notes
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