The Nissan HR12DDR is a 1,198 cc, inline‑three supercharged petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features a DOHC 12‑valve design with direct fuel injection and a Roots-type supercharger, delivering outputs of 96 kW (130 PS) and 190 Nm. The compact three‑cylinder layout with forced induction provides a blend of efficiency and spirited performance for small crossovers.
Fitted primarily to the Nissan Juke and Micra C+C, the HR12DDR was engineered for drivers seeking peppy acceleration without sacrificing urban fuel economy. Its character prioritizes low-end torque and throttle response over high-revving power. Emissions compliance was met through direct injection and precise supercharger control, achieving Euro 5 standards.
One documented service concern is premature failure of the supercharger bypass valve actuator, potentially leading to boost control faults or reduced performance. This issue, referenced in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB13‑077, is often associated with electrical wear and carbon buildup. Nissan addressed this in later production by revising the actuator design and updating the engine management calibration.
Production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards for applicable markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Nissan HR12DDR is a 1,198 cc inline‑three supercharged petrol engine engineered for compact crossovers (2010-2018). It combines direct fuel injection with a mechanically driven Roots-type supercharger to deliver strong low-end torque and responsive performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances urban efficiency with engaging drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,198 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Supercharged (Roots-type) | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 83.6 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Gasoline direct injection (GDI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None (Roots-type supercharger) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | Nissan 5W-30 (API SN/ILSAC GF-5) | |
| Dry weight | 95 kg |
The supercharger provides immediate throttle response and strong low-end torque, ideal for city driving and quick overtakes. The primary maintenance concern is the supercharger bypass valve actuator, which can fail and trigger boost-related fault codes; replacement with the updated OEM part per NTB13-077 is recommended. Using the specified 5W-30 oil ensures optimal lubrication for the timing chain and supercharger bearings. The GDI system requires periodic intake valve cleaning to prevent carbon buildup. Coolant should be replaced every 5 years.
Oil Specs: Requires Nissan 5W-30 specification meeting API SN/ILSAC GF-5 (Nissan Owner's Manual OM-HR12).
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all production years (2010-2018) for UK/EU markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across all model applications (Nissan PT-2015).
Nissan Technical Information System: Docs SM-HR12, NTB13-077
Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC): Doc. HR12-001
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
The Nissan HR12DDR was used across Nissan's Juke and Micra platforms with transverse mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Juke and revised intake ducting in the Micra C+C-and from 2014 the facelifted Juke models adopted a revised supercharger pulley ratio for improved low-end response, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the alternator (Nissan TIS SM-HR12). The 8th VIN digit for Juke and Micra C+C models is 'H', indicating the HR-series engine family. Visually, it can be identified by its compact three-cylinder layout and the prominent Roots-type supercharger mounted on the front of the engine. Critical differentiation from the HR12DE: While sharing the same block, the HR12DDR features a supercharger, intercooler, and direct injection system, whereas the HR12DE is naturally aspirated with port injection. Service parts for the block and head are generally interchangeable, but the supercharger, fuel system, and ECU are specific to the HR12DDR (Nissan EPC HR12-001).
The HR12DDR's primary reliability risk is supercharger bypass valve actuator failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Nissan TSB NTB13-077 documents this concern, while general owner feedback indicates carbon buildup on intake valves and ignition coil failures are also common. Neglecting scheduled oil changes can accelerate chain wear, making adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (2010-2018) and owner-reported failure data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about NISSAN HR12DDR.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with NISSAN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
NISSAN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialNISSAN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
