Nissan 1.3 DIG-T Engine (HR13DDT): Problems, Durability, and Specs

Nissan has a long history and an interesting story to tell. The car manufacturer has gone to the lowest financial depths of near bankruptcy and risen to produce some of the most iconic cars on our roads. Carlos Ghosn played a crucial role in introducing some of the best cars in the Nissan lineup.

The introduction of the Qashqai compact crossover SUV in 2006 helped keep the Nissan brand alive on European roads and many other parts of the world. Nissan Qashqai has evolved over the years, and in 2018, the Nissan 1.3 DIG-T (HR13DDT) was introduced. This petrol model boasts numerous features and benefits, making it a global darling for many.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2017-now
• Average lifespan of HR13DDT:120,000-150,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:140-160 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:carbon buildup on intake valves, glitchy start-stop, timing chain stretching, unreliable turbocharger pipes.

Overview Nissan 1.3 DIG-T

The 1.3 DIG-T was introduced in 2018 and is still being manufactured today. Two engine options can power this car, Qashqai, the HR13DDT DCT and the HR13DDT. These engines are in the family of the HR lineup and are petrol or gasoline powered with a 1.3L (1,332 cc) capacity.

The HR13DDT engine is also called Renault H5Ht at Renault or M282 at Mercedes-Benz. At Nissan, the HR13DDT powers a range of vehicles, including the Nissan X-trail III, Qashqai II and III, and Kicks (India). This direct injection engine is very popular even among Renault and Mercedes Benz cars.

The 1.3 DIG-T powertrain is made after carefully merging the strengths and resources at Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi. Both engines powering the Nissan 1.3 DIG-T, or Nissan Qashqai, as we will regularly call it, are turbocharged. Nissan Qashqai is named after an Iranian tribe. In Australia and Japan, it's called Nissan Dualis; in the USA, it is called Nissan Rogue Sport. The car is available in 140 PS and 160 PS outputs, replacing the 1.6 and 1.2 engines.

What are the specs of the 1.3L DIG-T Nissan Qashqai engine?

• The torque output is 240-270 Nm or 177-199ft-lb. The power output of up to 160 PS makes the SUV responsive to the accelerator. This is 25 PS more than its predecessor 1.2L version.
• It's an inline 4-cylinder engine.
• A Garret turbo makes the delivery of this vehicle all the more possible.
• The engine block and the cylinder head are made of aluminum.
• The piston stroke is 81.4 mm, while the cylinder bore is 72.2 mm.
• The engine has a stop-start feature.
• CO2 emissions of 162g/km meet European emissions regulations.
• It uses gasoline type 95, and you should use 5.4 liters of 5W-30 engine oil.
• The engine allows the Qashqai to give you 100km/h in 10.2 seconds while the combined fuel consumption is 5.5 l/100km.
• The engine is matched with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

The durability of the 1.3 DIG-T

The reliability of the Nissan Qashqai is undisputed. Features like the Chassis Control System ensure you get refined and relaxed handling even on the sharpest corners. The Active Ride Control ensures the vehicle remains stable over bumps, while the Active Trace Control improves braking the inside wheel while cornering. All these features serve to prolong the life of your Qashqai.

The official statistics from Nissan give the engine a 3-year or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The owner can also enjoy a 5-year or 100,000 miles warranty, whichever comes first on the extended warranty terms. Under the extended warranty, the vehicle must not be for 10 years or more.

Numerous tests have been done on the Nissan 1.3 DIG-T, many of which have concluded that the engine is reliable. Many owners of this vehicle have enjoyed driving past the 200,000 km mark without encountering serious setbacks. There are reports of this car clocking 300,000 km.

Like every other car or machine, the durability of the Nissan 1.3 DIG-T depends on several factors. If you don't service the engine regularly or as recommended. Nissan extended the service interval of this engine from 12,000 miles to 18 000 miles. Safe and unaggressive driving habits will further prolong your car's life. Under severe operating conditions, change the oil every 7,500 km; otherwise, every 15,000 kilometers.

What are the common problems of 1.3 DIG-T?

1) Turbocharger failure

Turbocharger failure or malfunction is a common problem with the Qashqai car in general. This problem is commonly caused by sticking valves, making the car's acceleration difficult or impossible in other circumstances. This problem is also characterized by stuttering when the car is idling or accelerating.

Solution

The turbocharger can be repaired using a repair kit if the damage is not extensive. If the blades of the turbo are heavily damaged, or its overall shape is bad, then you will need to replace the entire turbo. The cost of replacing the turbo should be around $1,000.

2) High-quality fuel requirement

The Nissan 1.3 DIG-T HR13DDT uses 95-octane-rated gasoline. This is the highest-rated petrol fuel sold in the market. It becomes a problem because the premium fuel in fuel stations is usually rated 91-94. With a 95 rating, this Nissan engine will likely develop problems over time because of fueling your car with below-par fuel.

Using the wrong rated fuel type can cause the fuel to burn spontaneously rather than in a controlled manner. This means that the fuel can ignite while the piston is in the power stroke, which will create immense pressure on the piston. This usually causes damage to the piston, but more commonly, there will be unburnt fuel in the exhaust. Secondary or spontaneous combustions cause pressure in the cylinders to rise, which can then lead to an engine knock.

Solution

As a consumer, there is nothing much you can do other than only insist on fueling your car with the right premium gasoline.

3) Consumption of oil

Many drivers of the Nissan Qashqai say the car is quite thirsty when it comes to engine oil. You will need to regularly check and add oil to avoid the engine running dry hence engine knock. The leading cause of this issue is the irregular burning of oil through the piston rings or the valve guides.

Solution

If you notice your car's engine is consuming excessively more oil than the recommended 5.4 liters, then it is time to consult a mechanic. You should consult a professional to help you resolve this problem and to avoid damaging the engine.

4) Soot on the valves

As combustion takes place in the cylinders, carbon deposits and buildup form around the engine. This is mainly caused by incomplete combustion of fuel in the combustion chambers. As the soot accumulates, it accumulates and blocks critical pathways such as intake valves. It is, however, worth noting that this problem is more common in diesel than in gasoline engines. In our case, this problem likely escalates because you require very high-quality gasoline.

Solution

Only use the recommended fuel. Though there are fuel additives you can buy in service stations, using only the recommended octane-rated fuel is the best answer to this problem.

5) Adsorber valve issues

An adsorber valve is a type of charcoal filter component of the EVAP system. It is a kind of separator mandated with cleaning the air leaving the fuel tank from petroleum vapors. In other words, it prevents the direct contact of the air in the tank with the atmosphere.

The malfunction of the adsorber valve in the Nissan 1.3 DIG-T will affect the smooth flow of the fuel flow and supply. Simple symptoms of the problem include pop sounds coming from the fuel tank. You may also hear engine knocks and the idle floats after the engine warming for about ten minutes. The vehicle may also become thirstier.

Solution

The answer to this problem is to replace the adsorber valve. Don't bypass the adsorber valve, as this can lead to high gasoline pressure in the tank and unbalanced engine performance.

6) Start-stop issues

Quite a number of Nissan Qashqai drivers troop into dealerships complaining that the start-stop functionality has failed intermittently or permanently. The complaint is that when you drive to stop lights, the engine will stop to avoid unnecessary idling, but it won't come back on when you remove your foot from the brake.

Solution

The answer to this problem will be found in disconnecting the start-stop system whose button is below the ignition slot. The other place to find a solution to the problem is to check the voltage capacity of the car battery and the effectiveness of the terminals, and finally, the alternator.

Conclusion

The Nissan 1.3 DIG-T HR13DDT is the latest Nissan Qashqai trim and has been in production since 2018. As highlighted above, the engine fitted into this car is efficient and reliable, especially when coupled with a powerful Garret turbocharger.

Every potential buyer should consider the durability of the engine and this car because it can easily reach 200,000 miles (300,000 km) with good care. As for the possible problems likely to visit your Qashqai, you needn't sweat because all of them are manageable, and others preventable.