The Dacia H4M 438 is a 1,397cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. It forms part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's H4M engine family, co-developed with Nissan and Renault. Featuring DOHC, 16-valve architecture and multi-point fuel injection, it delivers 70 kW (95 PS) and 130 Nm of torque, offering reliable performance for urban and regional driving.
Fitted to models such as the Dacia Sandero, Logan, and Dokker, the H4M 438 was engineered for affordability, ease of maintenance, and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda feedback control, allowing Euro 5 compliance across its production run. The engine's design prioritises durability under varied climatic and fuel quality conditions.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in early-production units. This issue, referenced in Renault Service Information Bulletin TECH-ENG-2015-024, is attributed to insufficient oil flow to the upper chain guide during cold starts. From 2015, revised tensioner geometry and updated oil pump calibration were implemented to improve lubrication and reduce failure risk.
Production years 2012–2020 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Dacia H4M 438 is a 1,397 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and utility vehicles (2012–2020). It combines multi-point fuel injection with dual overhead camshafts to deliver responsive city driving and economical cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances cost-effective ownership with everyday usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,397 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 79.0 mm | |
| Power output | 70 kW (95 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, rear-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30 (ACEA A1/B1 or A5/B5) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable low-end response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear. SAE 5W-30 oil meeting ACEA A5/B5 specifications is essential for maintaining adequate chain guide lubrication. Extended idling and short-trip driving increase carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of direct injection. The MPFI system is tolerant of variable fuel quality but performs best with 98 RON fuel. Post-2015 models feature revised tensioner design; pre-2015 units should be inspected per Renault SIB TECH-ENG-2015-024. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent warm-up cycles and avoiding oil contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30 meeting ACEA A1/B1 or A5/B5 (Renault SIB TECH-ENG-2015-024). Compatible with Renault RN0700 specification.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all production years (2012–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Renault Group PT-2018).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs H4M-TECH-001, H4M-FUEL-012, TECH-ENG-2015-024
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ECE Regulation No 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Dacia H4M 438 was used across Dacia's Global Access Platform with transverse mounting and shared with Renault and Nissan under Alliance agreements. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Sandero and reinforced mounts in the Logan MCV-and from 2016 the facelifted Sandero Stepway adopted revised ECU mapping for improved cold-start emissions, creating calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (Renault TIS H4M-ID-005). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for H4M series). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with ribbed plastic cam covers; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from H4M 538: H4M 438 has a single-row timing chain and no variable valve timing (VVT), while H4M 538 uses a twin-chain system with intake phasing. Service parts require model year verification - tensioners for pre-2015 engines are incompatible with post-2015 revisions due to internal design changes (Renault SIB TECH-ENG-2015-024).
The H4M 438's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Renault quality reports from 2016 indicated a measurable rate of pre-2015 engines requiring chain service before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a notable share of emissions-related MOT failures to catalytic converter degradation in high-mileage examples. Frequent cold starts and extended idling increase guide stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2012-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DACIA H4M438.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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