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Dacia · Compact SUV · 2025–2026 Custom Search

Dacia Bigster 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

140 PS

1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid Benzin

Most powerful Dacia ever

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

140 PS

1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid LPG

2 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

156 PS

1.8L Hybrid Benzin

4 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Dacia Bigster 1 is available with 3 engine variants — from 140 to 156 hp.

1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid · Petrol Mild-Hybrid· 140 PS
2025 2026
Good Choice 2 weaknesses
1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid · LPG Mild-Hybrid· 140 PS
2025 2026
Good Choice 2 weaknesses
1.8L Hybrid · Petrol Hybrid· 156 PS
2025 2026
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses

The Dacia 1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid (Petrol Mild-Hybrid, 140 PS) has the HR12VDV-103kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.

The Dacia 1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid (LPG Mild-Hybrid, 140 PS) has the HR12VDV-103kW-LPG (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.

The Dacia 1.8L Hybrid (Petrol Hybrid, 156 PS) has the HR18DDT (1.8L Hybrid) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!ELEC system warning with cruise control failure

Owners of the TCe 140 Mild Hybrid report a recurring 'ELEC system check' warning that deactivates the cruise control. Cause is often battery issues or corroded terminals, sometimes also sensor contamination.

Symptoms: Warning message 'ELEC system check' in the display, cruise control switches off, restarting helps temporarily
from 5,000 km
Low
Apple CarPlay connection drops

The infotainment loses CarPlay connectivity regularly, especially with iPhone 12–14. Dealers confirmed the root cause is excessive current draw at the USB port. A software update is pending.

Symptoms: CarPlay disconnects after a few minutes, cable must be re-inserted, volume control stops working during active navigation
Low
Sluggish infotainment system

The touchscreen responds with a noticeable delay — several seconds may pass between touch input and reaction. The reversing camera occasionally fails completely for several days, and parking sensors then also stop working.

Symptoms: Delayed touchscreen response, intermittent loss of reversing camera and parking sensors, traffic sign recognition drops out sporadically

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Bigster 1 (2025–2026) — 8 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. One problem engine: HR18DDT (1.8L Hybrid). Typical issues affect Electronics, Body, Other. Considered reliable: HR12VDV-103kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid), HR12VDV-103kW-LPG (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid).

Bigster (HR18DDT, 2025–2026) — Stay Away!: Gearbox failure under 2,000 km, Oil seal e-motor/gearbox (E-Tech system heritage), Cluster of electrical failures in the early phase. Power: 156 PS.

What to watch out for with the Dacia Bigster? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Dacia Bigster 1 have? +
The Dacia Bigster 1 has 8 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Dacia Bigster 1? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: HR12VDV-103kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid), HR12VDV-103kW-LPG (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid). The most reliable engine is the HR12VDV-103kW-LPG (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the HR12VDV-103kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid). Problem engine: HR18DDT (1.8L Hybrid) — stay away!
Which Dacia Bigster 1 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Dacia Bigster 1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 2 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Dacia Bigster 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Dacia Bigster 1 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 140 hp turbo petrol in the Bigster — finally a Dacia with real shove. Strong pull, modern 48V system.
Is the Dacia Bigster 1 worth buying used? +
The Dacia Bigster 1 is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Dacia Bigster 1? +
The Dacia Bigster 1 is available with engine variants from 140 to 156 hp. Petrol: HR12VDV-103kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid), HR18DDT (1.8L Hybrid).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee