Renault Austral 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Engine Overview
The Renault Austral 1 is available with 2 engine variants — from 116 to 163 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Renault 1.2L E-Tech Hybrid (Petrol Hybrid, 160–200 PS) comes with 2 different engines: HR12-FHEV (2022–2025, Be Careful) and HR12-FHEV (2022–2025, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L E-Tech Hybrid!
The Renault 1.3L TCe (Petrol Mild-Hybrid, 140–158 PS) comes with 2 different engines: H5H-1.3 (2022–2025, Be Careful) and H5H-1.3 (2022–2025, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.3L TCe!
Explore more
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Hybrid Gearbox Control Malfunction Several Austral drivers report a red STOP warning with 'risk of gearbox damage' and 'check exhaust system' fault messages. In individual cases a gearbox replacement was necessary, sometimes under 5,000 km. Symptoms: Red STOP warning, gearbox damage fault message, power loss on acceleration. from 5,000 km | High | |
| E-Tech Hybrid Gearbox Judder on Shifts The automated E-Tech full hybrid gearbox shows judder during gear changes and delayed shifts from as early as 10,000–20,000 km. Around 12% of vehicles are reportedly affected. Symptoms: Jerk during gear change, hesitation on acceleration, unharmonious drivetrain from 15,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Fiat 600e 600
Compact SUV (2023–2026)
Hyundai Kona SX2
Compact SUV (2023–2026)
Smart #1 HX11
Compact SUV (2023–2026)
Volvo EX30 I
Compact SUV (2023–2026)
Alfa Romeo Tonale 965
Compact SUV (2022–2024)
BMW X1 U11
Compact SUV (2022–2026)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Renault Austral 1 (2022–2025) — 9 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Brakes, Other.
Austral (H5H-1.3, 2022–2025) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Early Wear, Wastegate Failure After 80,000+ km, Direct Injection: Intake Port Carbon Build-Up. Power: 140 PS.
Austral (H5H-1.3, 2022–2025) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Early Wear, Wastegate Failure After 80,000+ km, Direct Injection: Intake Port Carbon Build-Up. Power: 158 PS.
Austral (HR12-FHEV, 2022–2025) — Be Careful: Electric Water Pump Failure (Production Issue), Hybrid Gearbox: Judder and Shift Hesitation, Recall: Ignition Coil Short Circuit (2015–2016 build year). Power: 131 PS.
What to watch out for with the Renault Austral? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Renault Austral 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Renault Austral 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Renault Austral 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Renault Austral 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Renault Austral 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee