Renault H4J-700 Engine (2012–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Renault H4J 700 is a 1,332 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features direct fuel injection, a single — scroll turbocharger, and double overhead camshafts (DOHC) with variable valve timing (VVT). This engine typically produces 96 kW (130 PS) and 205 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive performance in compact vehicles.

Fitted primarily to the Renault Clio IV and Captur, the H4J 700 was designed to offer a blend of spirited…

Renault Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2012–2018) meet Euro 5 standards for passenger vehicles .

Renault H4J-700 Technical Specifications

The Renault H4J 700 is a 1,332 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2012-2018). It combines direct fuel injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and brisk acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with everyday fuel economy.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,332 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Bore × stroke
72.2 mm × 81.3 mm
Power output
96 kW (130 PS)
Torque
205 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm
Fuel system
Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5)
Emissions standard
Euro 5
Compression ratio
9.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
Single-scroll turbo (Garrett)
Timing system
Belt-driven
Oil type
Renault RN0700 (SAE 5W‑40)
Dry weight
115 kg

Renault H4J-700 Compatible Models

The Renault H4J 700 was used across Renault's B-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-unique engine mounts and ancillary layouts for the Clio IV-and was also supplied to Dacia for their Sandero Stepway model, creating a shared parts ecosystem. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Renault
Years:
2012–2018
Models:
Clio IV (BZ0/1)
Variants:
TCe 130
View Source
Renault Group PT-2019
Make:
Renault
Years:
2013–2018
Models:
Captur (J87)
Variants:
TCe 130
View Source
Renault Group PT-2019
Make:
Dacia
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
Sandero Stepway II
Variants:
TCe 130
View Source
Dacia Service Manual #DSM-J87

Looking for a replacement Renault engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.

Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.

Common Reliability Issues - RENAULT H4J-700 Compatible Models

Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.

Timing belt tensioner pulley failure
Symptoms: Squealing or chirping noise from the front of the engine, especially on cold start or under load. May lead to timing belt slippage, misfires, or complete engine failure.
Cause: Premature wear or seizure of the tensioner pulley bearing, often occurring before the scheduled 120,000 km replacement interval.
Fix: Replace the timing belt, tensioner pulley, and idler pulleys with the latest revised OEM parts per service bulletin RSB 18-009. Inspect the water pump and replace if any signs of leakage are present.
Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, decreased fuel economy, misfire codes (especially under light load).
Cause: Accumulation of carbon deposits on the back of intake valves, a common issue with direct injection engines that lack fuel washing over the valves.
Fix: Perform a professional intake valve cleaning (walnut blasting or chemical cleaning) and reset ECU adaptations. Using high-quality fuel with cleaning additives can help slow future buildup.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle
Symptoms: Distinct metallic rattle or chatter from the turbo area, most noticeable under light throttle or during gear changes.
Cause: Wear or looseness in the turbocharger wastegate linkage or actuator rod, leading to imprecise boost control and noise.
Fix: Inspect and replace the wastegate linkage or actuator rod. In severe cases, the entire turbocharger assembly may need replacement. Recalibrate boost pressure using manufacturer diagnostic software.
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) noise/failure
Symptoms: Loud whining or buzzing noise from the engine bay, difficulty starting, loss of power, fuel pressure-related DTCs.
Cause: Internal wear or failure of the Bosch HDEV5 high-pressure fuel pump, potentially accelerated by poor fuel quality or infrequent filter changes.
Fix: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump assembly with a new OEM unit. Always replace the fuel filter simultaneously and inspect the fuel tank for contamination.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

RENAULT H4J-700 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The H4J 700 is generally a robust and peppy engine. Its main reliability concern is the timing belt tensioner, which must be replaced with the revised part per RSB 18-009 during any belt service. With this addressed and regular maintenance using the correct oil, these engines can achieve high mileages without major issues.

The most frequent issues are timing belt tensioner pulley failure (leading to potential engine damage), carbon buildup on intake valves causing running issues, turbo wastegate rattle, and occasional high-pressure fuel pump noise or failure. These are well-documented in Renault service bulletins.

The H4J 700 was primarily used in the fourth-generation Renault Clio (BZ0/1) and the first-generation Renault Captur (J87) from 2012 to 2018. It was also used in the Dacia Sandero Stepway II during the same period, badged as the TCe 130.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the H4J-700 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.

Fuel economy is respectable for a turbocharged petrol. In a Renault Clio TCe 130, expect around 6.5-7.5 L/100km (38-43 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can yield 5.5-6.0 L/100km (47-51 mpg UK). Economy is heavily dependent on driving style and traffic conditions.

Yes. The H4J 700 is an interference engine. If the timing belt were to fail or jump, the pistons would collide with the open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage. This makes adhering to the timing belt service schedule and using the revised tensioner absolutely critical.

Renault specifies a 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting the RN0700 (ACEA A3/B4) standard. This oil is formulated to handle the heat and stress of the turbocharger. Using the correct oil and changing it every 15,000 km or annually is essential for engine and turbo longevity.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.

Evidence and uncertainty

A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.

Transparency in gaps

A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data compilation

Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.

Corrections & Submissions

Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.

Copyright & Legal

Copyright and permissions

Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

Ownership and commercial services

EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.

Funding model

Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.

Verification and identification note

Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.