Dacia Dokker
Renault's 1.2-litre turbo engine is notorious for excessive oil consumption and timing chain problems. Excessively wide piston tolerances lead to oil burning that thermally damages the exhaust valves and can ultimately result in total engine failure. Check oil level at least every 2,000 km; a compression test before purchase is recommended.
Problem engine: turbo with temperament
The 1.2 TCe with 115 hp brings turbo power to the Dokker. Brisk performance — but keep an eye on the timing chain. Known issues make this engine a risk.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Oil return jets to the chain tensioner are undersized and clog. Chain stretch begins from as early as 37,000 km. Multiple replacements documented without a permanent fix.
Symptoms: Oil return jets to the chain tensioner are undersized and clog
Oil consumption up to 1.5 L/1,000 km documented. Piston rings and valve stem seals affected. Classified internally by Renault as a risk engine.
Symptoms: Oil consumption up to 1.5 L/1,000 km documented
Wastegate flap sticks or no longer closes properly. Boost pressure too low or overboost possible. Turbo replacement required.
Symptoms: Wastegate flap sticks or no longer closes properly
Water pump leaks at the shaft seal. Coolant loss can lead to overheating if not caught in time.
Symptoms: Water pump leaks at the shaft seal
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
From the third MOT onwards, the Dokker's foot brake is flagged as a defect at above-average frequency.
A recall was issued for vehicles produced February to April 2016 because metal swarf in the ABS control unit could impair brake pressure distribution.
The Dokker's axle suspension is cited as defective at above-average frequency during MOT inspections.
The sliding door mechanism tends to jam and fail. A recall covered vehicles produced July 2015 to September 2016 due to a faulty sliding door lock.
Oil leaks on the Dokker become noticeably more frequent from the second MOT onwards.
Window regulators and central locking frequently fail on the Dokker.
Reports & Tests
Only 55% of 8–9-year-old Dokkers pass without defects (average: 72.4%). Lighting up to six times more likely to be defective than the class average.
