Dacia Duster 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
109–116 PS
1.5L dCi Diesel
Strong diesel
Decent114 PS
1.6L 16V Benzin
3 weaknesses
Good Choice125 PS
1.2L Turbo Benzin
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Dacia Duster 1 is available with 4 engine variants — from 86 to 125 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Dacia 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 90–109 PS) comes with 3 different engines: K9K-63kW (2010–2015, Be Careful) and K9K-66kW (2010–2017, Be Careful) and K9K-80kW (2013–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L dCi!
The Dacia 1.2L Turbo (Petrol, 125 PS) has the H5F-92kW (1.2L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 105–114 PS) comes with 2 different engines: K4M (2010–2017, Be Careful) and H4M-84kW (2015–2017, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L 16V!
The Dacia 1.6L 16V (LPG, 105–114 PS) comes with 2 different engines: K4M-LPG (2011–2017, Be Careful) and H4M-84kW-LPG (2015–2017, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L 16V!
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty axle components and suspension Axle components on the Duster I are flagged at the very first MOT — the defect rate is five times the average for comparable vehicles. A serious weak point of the first Duster. Symptoms: Knocking over bumps, poor straight-line stability, MOT defect for axle joints and control arms from 70,000 km | Medium | |
| Rear springs dislodge from spring seats On models produced March to June 2014, rear axle springs were reported that could disengage from their spring seats. Symptoms: Sudden change in rear handling dynamics, grinding noise from rear axle from 50,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report
Defect rate rises above 35% on older vehicles. Low beam and tail lights fail five times more often than average. Oil loss and suspension critical.
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 50 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Duster 1 (2010–2017) — 41 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. One problem engine: H5F-92kW (1.2L Turbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Body, Other. Considered reliable: H4M-84kW (1.6L 16V), H4M-84kW-LPG (1.6L 16V).
Duster (K9K-63kW, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 90 PS.
Duster (K9K-66kW, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 90 PS.
Duster (K9K-80kW, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 109 PS.
Duster (K4M, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Timing belt every 120,000 km, VVT actuator sticking, Ignition coils susceptible to moisture. Power: 105 PS.
Duster (H5F-92kW, 2014–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch — production defect, Extreme oil consumption, Turbocharger wastegate faulty. Power: 125 PS.
Duster (K4M-LPG, 2011–2017) — Be Careful: Timing belt every 120,000 km, VVT actuator sticking, Ignition coils susceptible to moisture. Power: 105 PS.
What to watch out for with the Dacia Duster? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee