The 1.2 TCe and 0.9 TCe engines from Renault and Dacia suffer from a persistent problem: excessively high oil consumption caused by clogged oil scraper rings and piston ring wear. In extreme cases these engines use up to 4 litres of oil per 1,000 kilometres. Frequent topping up is then necessary and engine damage is looming. This article explains where this problem comes from and what you can do about it.
Why do TCe engines use so much oil?
The excessive oil consumption in TCe engines has a technical cause. The oil scraper rings in these engines are relatively thin. They are not made thick enough. These rings have the job of scraping excess oil off the cylinder wall and returning it to the sump (the bottom of the engine where the oil sits). However, because of their thin design they become clogged or worn prematurely.
The oil scraper rings no longer work properly. Oil is then left behind in the cylinder. This oil subsequently ends up in the combustion chamber and is burned along with the fuel. The result is a car that constantly consumes oil while driving. This problem mainly affects the Dacia Sandero with the 1.2 TCe engine, but it also occurs on other models with these engine types.
In addition to clogged oil scraper rings, wear of the piston rings (rings around the piston that provide sealing) also plays a part. These components normally ensure a good seal between piston and cylinder. When wear is severe they allow more oil to pass into the combustion chamber, which further exacerbates the problem.
How can you recognise the problem?
You can notice increased oil consumption in several ways. The clearest sign is that the oil level drops quickly. Under normal operating conditions an engine may use at most a few hundred millilitres per 1,000 kilometres. In TCe engines with this problem it can rise to between 1 and 4 litres per 1,000 kilometres.
In addition, you may notice the following symptoms:
- The oil level warning light comes on regularly
- The engine no longer runs smoothly and starts to hesitate
- In severe cases the engine may stall unexpectedly
- Blue exhaust smoke may be visible, especially under acceleration
The engine has too little lubricant. Combustion residues can also build up in the cylinder. As the problem progresses, the risk of permanent engine damage also increases. Regularly check the oil level, especially if you have a TCe engine.
What is normal oil consumption and what is not?
To determine whether there is a problem with your engine, it is important to know what is normal. In everyday use a modern petrol engine may have a slight oil consumption. For TCe engines a small amount of consumption is acceptable. The upper limit is roughly 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres.
Anything above that is abnormal. In practice there are known cases of extremely high oil consumption. TCe 90 engines then use 4 litres of oil per 1,000 kilometres. For comparison: the same engines have a fuel consumption of about 5 litres per 100 kilometres. This means that in extreme cases almost as much oil as fuel is being added.
The oil consumption increases rapidly. This is always a clear warning sign. You have to top up several times within a short period. Something is then seriously wrong. Do not wait too long before taking action, because oil consumption does not resolve itself and can lead to costly damage.
Which TCe engines have this problem?
The problem of high oil consumption occurs mainly in the 1.2 TCe and 0.9 TCe petrol engines. These turbocharged engines are used in various models. They are fitted in cars from Renault, Dacia and Nissan. The Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway with the 1.2 TCe engine are notorious for these issues, but other models can also be affected.
The engines were installed for many years in popular models such as the Renault Clio, Captur and Mégane, as well as the Nissan Juke and Pulsar. Not every car with a TCe engine develops this problem. The risk is there, though. Cars with higher mileages and older model years are particularly at risk.
What can you do about it?
If you are faced with increased oil consumption, there are several options for action. The first step is always to have the problem properly diagnosed. Go to a specialist workshop. They can determine whether it is caused by clogged oil scraper rings. They can also check whether there is piston ring wear.
Possible solutions are:
- Engine decoking: a treatment in which deposits are removed
- Replacement of piston rings and oil scraper rings
- In severe cases: complete engine overhaul or engine replacement
The cost of a repair varies greatly. An engine decoke is relatively affordable. If parts are replaced or a full overhaul is needed, costs can quickly run into several thousand euros. At very high mileages or with severe wear, replacing the engine may be the only option.
Prevention and maintenance
Prevention is better than cure, and that also applies to TCe engines. The problem is a design fault. You can, however, extend the life of your engine with good maintenance. Always use the specified oil with the correct specifications and change it on time according to the service schedule.
Check the oil level at least once a month, or more often if you have already noticed signs of increased consumption. Keep a small bottle of engine oil in the car in case you need to top up. Do not drive the engine hard before it has reached operating temperature. This reduces wear on the cylinder walls and rings.
Also pay attention to your driving style. Lots of short journeys increase the risk of blockages and deposits in the engine. City driving has the same effect. Plan longer trips where possible. The engine can then properly reach temperature and burn itself clean.
Warranty and complaints handling
Owners of cars with TCe engines and this problem have in some cases been able to rely on goodwill from the manufacturer, even outside the warranty period. This depends on the age of the car. The mileage also plays a role. The service history is important as well.
Always keep your service invoices and record the oil consumption accurately. Note the mileage at every top-up. Also write down the amount of oil you have added. This information can be useful in discussions about warranty or goodwill. Contact your dealer if you think you may be entitled to a solution through the manufacturer.
‘ These engines have proved prone to oil consumption, which is a serious drawback. ’
Is a TCe engine still reliable?
Should you still buy a car with a TCe engine? This question is difficult to answer. These engines have proved prone to oil consumption, which is a serious drawback. At the same time, many TCe engines drive around without problems, especially when they have been properly maintained.
If you are considering buying a used car with a TCe engine, always ask about the service history and oil consumption. If in doubt, have a professional inspection carried out. The oil consumption will then also be tested. A compression test can provide clarity. This test shows the condition of the pistons and cylinders.
For owners of cars with this engine the following applies: be alert to the first signs and act quickly. Regularly checking the oil level and carrying out preventive maintenance can help to prevent more serious problems.
On the Carnews website you can find much more information about common problems with specific cars and engines. You will find practical tips for maintenance and repair. Discover more about your car brand and stay informed about important technical points to watch out for.
Frequently asked questions
You can mainly recognise increased oil consumption in your TCe engine by a rapidly dropping oil level, for example (more than) about 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres in normal use. You then have to top up the oil noticeably often between services. In addition, you may notice that the engine no longer runs completely smoothly and sometimes even tends to stall.
The most common causes are clogged and under-dimensioned oil scraper rings, which allow oil to be drawn along the cylinder walls into the combustion chamber. In addition, accelerated wear occurs on the piston rings, which worsens the sealing and further increases oil consumption.
Check the oil level regularly and record accurately how much oil you have to top up per 1,000 kilometres. Make an appointment as soon as possible with a (franchise) dealer or specialist workshop to have the increased oil consumption diagnosed. State how much oil the engine uses and since when you have noticed this. Follow the specialist’s advice, for example regarding preventive repair or overhaul, to prevent serious engine damage.
Regularly checking the oil level (for example every 1,000 km) and topping up when necessary helps to prevent damage caused by oil consumption. Stick to the specified oil specification and change oil and filter on time, preferably a bit more often than the maximum factory interval. Avoid prolonged high revs and full-throttle acceleration with a cold engine, so that the load on piston and oil scraper rings is limited. If increased oil consumption is starting to appear, have the engine inspected early by a specialist for wear or contamination of the piston and oil scraper rings.
Untreated, high oil consumption can lead to accelerated wear of piston rings and oil scraper rings, causing more internal damage to the engine. This increases the risk of serious engine damage, such as seizure or the need for a complete engine overhaul or replacement. In addition, performance deteriorates because of loss of compression and the engine may start to run irregularly or stall. Emissions can also increase and the catalytic converter may clog or become damaged more quickly.
Yes, especially the 1.2 TCe engines (as used in, among others, the Dacia Sandero and some Renault/Nissan models) from certain model years are known for high oil consumption. This is related to design issues, particularly with the (under-dimensioned) oil scraper rings and wear of piston rings. As a result, oil consumption can become very high, sometimes up to several litres per 1,000 kilometres. With these engines, more frequent checking of the oil level is strongly recommended.