The 1.2 TCe / DIG-T (H5Ft) engine was fitted to the Nissan Pulsar (2014–2018). In the EU that is 54.1 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.2 116 hp, 1.2.
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.
High oil consumption, burnt exhaust valves, engine failure (2012-2018)
usually 50,000–130,000 km · High risk
model years 2012–2018 only
Signs: Oil level drops fast (can exceed 1 L per 1,000 km), low oil warning, blue smoke, loss of power, misfire or engine noise; often unnoticed until damage is done
Fix: Check the dipstick every fill-up; ask a Renault/Dacia/Nissan dealer by VIN for the ECU recalibration and an oil consumption test and file a goodwill request with the service history; if consumption stays high, the engine needs rings/pistons and valve work or a replacement engine
€0–6,000
Timing chain stretch or jumped timing after low oil level
usually 60,000–160,000 km · High risk
model years 2012–2018 only
Signs: Rattle on cold start, camshaft/crankshaft correlation fault codes, rough running; if the chain jumps or breaks the valves are damaged
Fix: Keep the oil level correct; at the first rattle or correlation code replace the chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets
€700–1,500
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
X-Tronic / Xtronic CVT (Jatco)
Belt slip and pulley wear, debris in the valve body (limp mode)
usually 80,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Judder pulling away, engine revs flare without the car speeding up, delay when selecting D or R, power cut / limp mode when hot
Fix: Read the CVT codes and check the fluid for metal; if caught early replace the valve body and fluid and flush the cooler, otherwise fit a reconditioned CVT
€800–4,500
Low-speed CVT judder code (P17F0 / P17F1) on JF016E / JF017E
usually 30,000–150,000 km · High risk
model years 2013–2018 only
Signs: Shaking, shudder or repeated bumps when pulling away or at low speed, judder fault stored in the gearbox control unit
Fix: Dealer-level diagnosis: P17F1 usually means a new valve body (if the belt is not slipping), P17F0 means a gearbox replacement; reprogram the control unit and flush the cooler
€800–4,500
CVT pulley bearing whine
usually 100,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Whine or howl under acceleration that rises with engine or road speed, fluid level and pressures otherwise normal
Fix: Have a CVT specialist confirm which bearing is noisy; replace the bearings during an overhaul or fit a reconditioned gearbox before debris damages the pulleys
€1,500–3,500
Service plan for this engine
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,500–5,550. 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 Pulsar with the 1.2 TCe / DIG-T (H5Ft) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
Versions of this engine in the Nissan Pulsar
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 (3). 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.
- Doors / locks / lids Possible reduced retention force of the rear door child lock switch14/08/2020 · R/2020/220
- Visibility Rear oxygen sensor may fail25/07/2016 · R/2016/157
- Lights Headlight auto levelling system may malfunction when vehicle is fully laden24/03/2016 · R/2016/050
Common questions
Does the Nissan Pulsar 1.2 TCe / DIG-T (H5Ft) have a timing belt or a chain?
Chain.
Which oil does the Nissan Pulsar 1.2 TCe / DIG-T (H5Ft) need?
5W-30 / 5W-40 · Renault RN0700 · ~4.5 L · every 10,000 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