RENAULT CAPTUR 1.3 TCe (2020–2025) PROBLEMS – COMMON FAULTS, RELIABILITY, AND REPAIR COSTS

The Renault Captur 1.3 TCe (H5Ht engine developed with Mercedes) is, on paper, one of the brand's most successful petrol engines. In practice, however, this engine also suffers from some recurring flaws : delicate direct injection, poor cooling system, oil consumption on some models, GPF management, and electronics typical of second-generation Capturs. In this guide, we analyze the real-world problems encountered between 2020 and 2025 , with symptoms, causes, and average repair costs.

As always, the data comes from a cross-referencing of the spare parts warehouse , partner workshops , and real owner feedback. The goal isn't to "demonize" the Captur 1.3 TCe—which remains a valid choice if properly maintained—but to help you understand what to check and how much it might cost to fix it.

🔧 1.3 TCe H5Ht ENGINE: HOW IT'S MADE AND ON WHICH CAPTURS

The 1.3 TCe H5Ht is a 4-cylinder 1,333 cm³ turbocharged direct injection petrol engine , developed in collaboration with Mercedes and mounted on many cars of the Renault-Nissan group (Captur, Mégane, Qashqai, etc.). On the Captur II you will find it in the following versions:

• 1.3 TCe 130/140 HP – often with mild-hybrid on more recent vintages.
• 1.3 TCe 155/160 HP – the liveliest versions, often combined with the EDC automatic gearbox.

Compared to the older 1.2 TCe engines, this engine is designed to be more robust and with improved thermal management. However, it is not without its problems: some models have experienced issues with the injection, cooling system, GPF , and, in isolated cases, oil consumption .

⛽ REAL CONSUMPTION AND BEHAVIOR IN DAILY USE

On paper, the 1.3 TCe promises interesting fuel economy. In reality, customer and forum reports paint a more complex picture:

• City and short journeys: fuel consumption can drop below 12 km/l, especially with cars that are always cold and in heavy traffic.
• Extraurban: 16–18 km/l is realistic with smooth driving and constant speed.
• Highway: at 130 km/h the fuel consumption often settles at 13–14 km/l, with differences between manual and EDC gearboxes.

Many owners come from diesel and perceive the 1.3 TCe as "thirsty." In reality, it is a modern turbocharged petrol engine : if you use it a lot in the city, consumption increases, but on mixed routes it can be balanced.

🧪 DIRECT INJECTION AND IGNITION SYSTEM PROBLEMS

One of the weak points of the 1.3 TCe is the direct injection system . It is efficient but sensitive to fuel quality and maintenance.

• Typical symptoms: engine lights on, jerking when cold, rough idling, power drops, messages such as “ check injection ”.
• Common causes: dirty or partially clogged injectors, incorrect fuel pressure, residue in the circuit, tired spark plugs and coils.
• Risks of ignoring the problem: lean/rich running, increased fuel consumption, possible damage to the catalytic converter/GPF and turbo in the long term.

Typical workshop interventions:

• In-depth diagnosis with injection parameter reading.
• Cleaning of fuel circuit and injectors (professional additives + targeted interventions).
• Replacing spark plugs/coils on units with recurring misfires.

Orders of magnitude: a simple circuit cleaning + spark plugs can cost between €200–350 ; replacing one or more injectors can bring the bill up to over €600–1,200 depending on the parts involved.

🌫️ GPF (PETROL PARTICULATE FILTER) AND CITIZEN USE

On the Captur 1.3 TCe Euro 6d you'll find the GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) , the petrol "cousin" of the diesel DPF. Under normal conditions it manages itself, but with heavy urban use the following may appear:

• Frequent regenerations with increased consumption.
• Engine/emissions warning lights and power limitations in extreme cases.
• Stronger exhaust odor after regeneration.

What to do in practice:

• For every 300–400 km of urban driving, plan for a 20–30 minute extra-urban journey at a constant speed.
• Use good quality gasoline and always keep the oil and air filter in good condition (it helps reduce particulate matter).
• If the light stays on, a diagnosis is needed: forcing regenerations "randomly" without understanding the reason is never a good idea.

💧 COOLING SYSTEM, LEAKS AND THERMOSTAT BODY

On some 1.3 TCe engines fitted to various cars of the group, cases of coolant leaks have been reported, often linked to gaskets, hoses or the thermostat body .

• Symptoms: drop in reservoir level, sweetish liquid smell, traces of damp near thermostat/pipes, sporadic high temperature messages.
• Causes: joints or O-rings that give way over time, cracked plastic parts of the thermostat body, loose clamps.
• Risks: If ignored, it can lead to overheating with possible damage to the head gasket and turbine.

Good habits:

• Check the coolant level at least every 2–3 tankfuls of fuel.
• Visually inspect the front of the engine area (when possible) for traces of fluid.
• If the level drops repeatedly, don't just top up: a diagnosis with a circuit leak test is needed.

🛢️ OIL CONSUMPTION AND CARBON DEPOSITS ON THE 1.3 TCe

The 1.3 TCe is generally less critical than the older 1.2s regarding oil consumption, but it is not exempt from reported cases:

• Symptoms: frequent top-ups between services, oil warning light, smoke from the exhaust when accelerating hard.
• Possible causes: worn piston rings/valve guides, heavy use at high revs, long intervals between oil changes.

Furthermore, direct injection promotes, over time, the formation of carbon deposits on the intake valves , especially with city use and unsuitable lubricants.

What we recommend in practice:

• Check the oil level every 1,000–1,500 km , especially in the first few years to understand the “behavior” of your engine.
• Services carried out earlier than the maximum indicated (e.g. 15,000 km instead of 30,000 km).
• Use of oils with the correct Renault specifications and, if necessary, gentle cleaning cycles with professional products selected by the workshop.

📡 ELECTRONICS, START&STOP AND CONTROL UNITS ON CAPTUR 1.3 TCe

Many of the problems “perceived” as engine defects on the Captur 1.3 TCe are actually related to the battery, sensors and software typical of the Captur II platform.

• Start&Stop not working: often it's a sign that the service battery is at its limit or sensors (temperature, seat belts, etc.) are not meeting the shutdown conditions.
• Sporadic messages on ADAS/ESP: may be due to low voltage or firmware that needs updating.
• Infotainment freezing or restarting: this behavior has already been seen on other Captur engines; in many cases, it improves with updates and resets.

First check: test the 12V battery and assess the alternator's health. A weak battery creates a chain of errors that have nothing to do with the mechanical reliability of the 1.3 TCe.

✅ RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE TO MAKE THE CAPTUR 1.3 TCe LAST

Let's summarise the best practices which, in our experience, help the 1.3 TCe work well in the long term:

• Engine oil: use only products with the correct Renault specifications and change every 15,000 km or 12 months (even if the manual allows more).
• Fuel: Avoid overfilling; if the car is driven a lot in the city, a tank of premium gasoline every now and then can help the injectors.
• Intake cleaning: for higher mileages, consider having the intake/valve cleaning done in a specialized workshop.
• Cooling: periodic checks of the circuit, preventive replacement of the liquid according to the maintenance plan.
• GPF: regular extra-urban routes and pay attention to abnormal warning lights/regenerations.
• Battery: Check every season; if the car is packed with electronics and spends a lot of time in the city, don't overcharge it.

💰 AVERAGE REPAIR COST TABLE (CAPTUR 1.3 TCe)

Values ​​are indicative for the period 2024–2025 and may vary based on area, labor, and choice between OEM or quality aftermarket parts.

Problem	Minor intervention	Complete intervention	Approximate time*
Injection / misfire	Diagnosis + spark plugs + circuit additive €200–350	Replacement of 1–4 injectors €600–1,200	1–2 h (diagnosis/soft) · 1 day (injectors)
GPF / particulate management	Guided regeneration + diagnosis €150–250	GPF replacement €1,000–1,800	1–2 h (regeneration) · 1 day (replacement)
Fluid / thermostat leaks	Leak detection + sleeve/O-ring €150–300	Thermostat body replacement / major parts €400–800	2–3 h (small losses) · 0.5–1 day (major interventions)
Oil consumption / deposits	Diagnosis + early oil change + soft treatment €150–250	Internal engine repairs (extreme cases) over €2,500	1–2 h (diagnosis) · several days (internal interventions)
Drums / electronics	Testing + software updates €100–200	AGM/Start&Stop battery replacement €180–350	0.5–1 h

*Approximate workshop times: may vary based on the diagnosis, spare parts availability, and the complexity of the case.

🧾 CHECKLIST RENAULT CAPTUR 1.3 TCe USED (2020–2025)

If you're considering a used Captur 1.3 TCe, here are the checks we always recommend you do before signing:

• Maintenance history: check oil change intervals, any recall campaigns, and software updates.
• Oil consumption: ask the owner if he has ever had to top up between services and how often.
• Cooling: Check the reservoir, visible hoses and the engine compartment for dried fluid residue.
• Starting and running when cold: The engine should start immediately, without any noticeable rattling or jerking.
• Road test: listen for any turbo whistling, jerking, power shortages, engine/ESP/Start&Stop warning lights coming on.
• Control unit diagnosis: it is essential to read the stored errors before purchasing (injection, emissions, GPF).

SPARE PARTS AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR RENAULT CAPTUR 1.3 TCe

For filters, engine oil, spark plugs, batteries, coolant, and additives for your Captur, visit our shop. We'll help you choose the right part based on your engine code and chassis number.

Go to the Tritella Auto Parts shop →

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RENAULT CAPTUR 1.3 TCe

Is the Captur 1.3 TCe a reliable engine?

Overall, yes: compared to the older 1.2 TCe engines, the 1.3 H5Ht has shown better reliability . This doesn't mean it's indestructible: it needs quality oil, regular maintenance, and attention to cooling and injection. If cared for, it can cover significant mileage without serious problems.

What is the most serious problem to watch out for?

Rather than a single "chronic" defect, we're talking about clusters of problems: direct injection (injectors, misfires), cooling system (leaks), and GPF management on city vehicles. Regularly checking the oil and coolant levels and performing diagnostics if the engine warning lights come on is key to avoiding costly breakdowns.

Is the 1.3 TCe better than the diesel?

It depends on usage: if you drive a lot in the city and do few kilometers per year, the 1.3 TCe is often the better choice than a diesel with DPF and AdBlue. If you spend a lot of time on highways and main roads, a well-maintained diesel remains unbeatable in terms of fuel economy and torque, but requires more attention.

Can I fit the LPG system to the 1.3 TCe?

Technically, conversions do exist, but we're talking about a delicate direct-injection engine: it requires a specific, quality system and a truly expert installer. If your goal is simply to "save money quickly," we advise against improvised conversions: it's better to directly evaluate a model designed for LPG or another engine.