Dacia Duster
More powerful turbo version of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder with good everyday performance. No hydraulic tappets — have valve clearance checked every 100,000 km. Timing chain can suffer from excessively long oil change intervals; strictly observe short oil change intervals.
Sweet spot
100 hp in the Duster — the TCe 100 hits the sweet spot. Enough power for relaxed driving without turbo complexity.
Engine Weaknesses 3
Timing chain can stretch on the turbocharged variants (TCe) after 120,000–160,000 km. Cold-start rattling is an early warning sign.
Symptoms: Timing chain can stretch on TCe variants after 120,000 km
Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area. Same issue as the H4B three-cylinder.
Symptoms: Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area
CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed. A software update may help; otherwise the variator belt is worn.
Symptoms: CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
The Duster II also shows axle components with a five-fold above-average defect rate at the very first MOT. Tie rod ends and steering joints are among the most common weak points.
The Duster II brake lines tend to corrode after four years of operation.
A recall was issued for vehicles produced June to July 2023 due to possible cable connector defects that could affect the airbag and drivetrain.
As with its predecessor, the Duster II headlights and tail lights show above-average defect rates at MOT.
Four-wheel drive vehicles develop oil leaks in the transfer case area more frequently after a few years of operation.
The front seats in the Duster II provide little lateral support. Rear seat passengers can slide out of position in corners on the barely contoured bench.
Reports & Tests
At 6–7 years old, nearly one in four has significant defects (23.5% vs. 13.6% average). Main issues: steering joints, lighting, and brakes.
3.7 to 8.4 breakdowns per 1,000 registrations (model years 2017–2020) — green rating. Breakdown frequency acceptable for a budget SUV.
