1.2 / 1.6 DIG-T (turbo petrol)
2013–2021 · petrol · 1197cc · 115hp
Engine codes: H5Ft, HRA2DDT, MR16DDT
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Nissan Qashqai II 1.2 / 1.6 DIG-T (turbo petrol). Check this before you buy used.
The DIG-T turbo petrols — the 1.2 (HRA2, co-developed with Renault/Mercedes, related to the 1.2 TCe) and the stronger 1.6 (MR16DDT) — give the J11 Qashqai economical, willing performance. They're chain-driven direct-injection turbos, so the cautions are intake-valve carbon over time, turbo/PCV care, the timing chain on early units, and — on the 1.2 — the oil-dilution/consumption family caution: monitor oil level. The Xtronic CVT (where fitted) needs correct fluid and gentle treatment. A serviced car on clean oil with a healthy CVT is dependable; check oil level and CVT history on test.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (H5Ft) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
DI intake carbon; early-chain attention; 1.2 family oil-dilution/consumption — monitor level.
Fix / Workaround: Decarbon if rough; check chain; monitor oil.
Repair cost: €200–€1500
Typically appears after: 110,000 km
CVT needs correct fluid and gentle use; expensive if neglected.
Fix / Workaround: CVT fluid service; smooth driving.
Repair cost: €200–€2200
Typically appears after: 130,000 km
Can consume oil; if run low, risks turbo and bearing damage.
Fix / Workaround: Check oil frequently; short oil-change intervals; never run low.
Repair cost: €0–€2500
Typically appears after: 80,000 km
Chain wear on neglected examples.
Fix / Workaround: Listen for rattle; replace if worn.
Repair cost: €500–€1100
Turbo and PCV want clean correct-spec oil; H5Ft sensitive to oil-level neglect.
Fix / Workaround: Strict oil changes; check oil level; let turbo cool.
Repair cost: €250–€1200
Typically appears after: 100,000 km
Mileage Thresholds
After 160,000 km: Carbon + CVT window.
After 100,000 km: Oil-related issues surface.
After 130,000 km: Turbo + oil attention.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐1.2: monitor oil level
- ☐CVT fluid history (if auto)
- ☐1.6 DIG-T is the stronger pick
- ☐Check oil consumption + level
- ☐Confirm frequent oil changes
- ☐Cold-start rattle check
- ☐Oil-change discipline + level checks
- ☐Better petrol than the 1.6
- ☐Service history
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Qashqai II 1.2 / 1.6 DIG-T (turbo petrol) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The DIG-T turbo petrols — the 1.2 (HRA2, co-developed with Renault/Mercedes, related to the 1.2 TCe) and the stronger 1.6 (MR16DDT) — give the J11 Qashqai economical, willing performance. They're chain-driven direct-injection turbos, so the cautions are intake-valve carbon over time, turbo/PCV care, the timing chain on early units, and — on the 1.2 — the oil-dilution/consumption family caution: monitor oil level. The Xtronic CVT (where fitted) needs correct fluid and gentle treatment. A serviced car on clean oil with a healthy CVT is dependable; check oil level and CVT history on test.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Nissan Qashqai II 1.2 / 1.6 DIG-T (turbo petrol)?
The most commonly reported problems: Intake carbon / chain / oil (1.2), Xtronic CVT, Oil consumption / oil starvation, Timing chain wear, Turbo / oil discipline.
Is a used Nissan Qashqai II 1.2 / 1.6 DIG-T (turbo petrol) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.