Renault H4M-738 Engine (2016–Present) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Renault H4M 738 is a 1,461 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine introduced in 2016 for compact and mid — size applications. It features common rail direct injection, a fixed — geometry turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). Producing 81 kW (110 PS) and 260 Nm of torque, its compact displacement enables agile urban drivability while maintaining highway efficiency.

Fitted primarily to the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai, the H4M 738 was engineered for res…

Renault Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2016–Present) meet at least Euro 6b standards; post-2018 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP .

Renault H4M-738 Technical Specifications

The Renault H4M 738 is a 1,461 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact SUVs (2016-Present). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient urban commuting. Designed to meet Euro 6b and later Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances agility with emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,461 cc
Fuel type
Diesel
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Bore × stroke
76.0 mm × 80.5 mm
Power output
81 kW (110 PS)
Torque
260 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
Fuel system
Denso HP3 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6b (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–Present)
Compression ratio
16.0:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett)
Timing system
Chain
Oil type
Renault RN07 5W‑30
Dry weight
135 kg

Renault H4M-738 Compatible Models

The Renault H4M 738 was developed for Renault's Kadjar platform with transverse mounting and is shared with Nissan for the Qashqai. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts for SUV dynamics-and no significant facelift revisions affecting core compatibility to date. The partnership is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance powertrain strategy. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Renault
Years:
2016–Present
Models:
Kadjar
Variants:
dCi 110
View Source
Renault Group PT-2023
Make:
Nissan
Years:
2017–Present
Models:
Qashqai II (J11)
Variants:
dCi 115
View Source
Nissan EPC #NIS-H4M-2017

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Common Reliability Issues - RENAULT H4M-738 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.

EGR valve diaphragm failure
Symptoms: Rough or erratic idle, engine stalling at low speeds, diagnostic trouble codes for EGR flow deviation.
Cause: Premature wear or cracking of the rubber diaphragm inside the EGR valve due to heat cycling and soot contamination.
Fix: Replace the entire EGR valve assembly with latest OEM part featuring reinforced diaphragm; perform adaptation reset via diagnostics.
DPF regeneration faults
Symptoms: Engine warning light, reduced power, 'Check Emissions System' message, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Insufficient exhaust temperature during short journeys prevents passive regeneration, leading to excessive soot accumulation.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostic tool; if unsuccessful, remove and clean or replace DPF; advise customer on driving habits.
High-pressure fuel pump wear
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, loss of power, fuel pressure-related diagnostic codes.
Cause: Contamination from low-quality fuel or extended oil change intervals causing lubrication failure in the pump's internal components.
Fix: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel filter; flush fuel lines; verify correct RN07 5W-30 oil is being used.
Turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, whistling noise under acceleration, overboost or underboost diagnostic codes.
Cause: Carbon buildup or corrosion seizing the wastegate linkage rod, preventing the actuator from modulating boost effectively.
Fix: Clean or replace the turbocharger actuator; inspect and free the wastegate linkage; recalibrate VGT position if applicable.
Research Basis

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

RENAULT H4M-738 FAQ Common Questions Answered

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

The H4M 738 is generally dependable for daily driving, with its main vulnerability being the early-design EGR valve diaphragm prone to failure under short-trip conditions. Post-2019 models with the revised valve are more robust. Consistent use of RN07 oil and allowing the engine to reach operating temperature regularly significantly enhances longevity.

The most frequent issues are EGR valve diaphragm failure causing rough idle, DPF regeneration faults due to insufficient driving cycles, high-pressure fuel pump wear from poor maintenance, and turbo actuator sticking. These are well-documented in Renault service bulletins and relate to emissions system complexity.

The H4M 738 is primarily found in the Renault Kadjar crossover SUV from 2016 onwards, badged as the dCi 110. It is also used in the Nissan Qashqai II (J11), where it is designated as the dCi 115, reflecting a minor ECU tune difference within the Renault-Nissan alliance.

Yes, ECU remapping is possible and can yield modest gains of 15-20 kW and 40-50 Nm. However, as a small-displacement engine, pushing beyond stock outputs can accelerate wear on the turbo and fuel system. Any tuning should be approached cautiously and paired with regular maintenance checks.

Official combined figures for the Renault Kadjar are around 4.5-5.0 L/100km (56-63 mpg UK). Real-world economy varies with load and driving style. Unladen highway driving can achieve ~4.2 L/100km (67 mpg UK), while urban driving may see 6.0 L/100km (47 mpg UK) or higher, especially if DPF regenerations are frequent.

Yes. The H4M 738 is an interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail or jump timing, the pistons would collide with the open valves, resulting in catastrophic internal engine damage requiring a full rebuild or replacement.

Renault mandates the use of RN07 specification 5W-30 synthetic oil. This low-SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur) oil is essential for protecting the DPF and EGR systems. Using non-compliant oil will void the warranty and damage emissions components.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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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.

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