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Dacia · Compact SUV · 2024–2026 Custom Search

Dacia Duster 3

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Dacia Duster 3 is available with 2 engine variants — from 93 to 130 hp.

1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid · Petrol Mild-Hybrid· 125–130 PS
2024 2026

48V mild hybrid with 1.2L turbo

  • !! Recall 0EFZ: engine/cabin wiring connection

    Faulty wiring harness can cause airbag malfunction and loss of drive. 27,641 Duster III vehicles affected worldwide (MY 2023–2024), 4,402 vehicles in Germany.

    Symptoms: Faulty wiring harness can cause airbag malfunction and loss of drive
    Ad wiring loom Dacia Duster III HR12 0EFZ
  • !! Recall: electric parking brake does not engage reliably

    Position sensor of the electric parking brake actuator mounted at the wrong angle. Parking brake does not engage correctly. 137 vehicles affected (MY 03/2024–02/2025).

    Symptoms: Position sensor of the electric parking brake actuator mounted at the wrong angle
    Ad parking brake sensor Dacia Duster IIIPositionssensor EPB Dacia Duster elektrisch
  • ! Three-cylinder vibrations at idle

    Three-cylinder vibrations at low rpm typical of this configuration. The 48V system reduces this via torque fill but does not eliminate it entirely. By design.

    Symptoms: Three-cylinder vibrations at low rpm typical of this configuration
    Ad engine mount Dacia Duster III 1.2 HR12
1.6L Hybrid · Petrol Hybrid· 140 PS
2024 2026

E-Tech full hybrid: 1.6L naturally aspirated engine (H4M) + 2 electric motors, combined output 141 hp

  • !! Oil seal e-motor/gearbox faulty from 60,000 km

    The shaft seal between the electric motor and the multi-mode gearbox can wear prematurely. Gearbox oil enters the electric motor — gearbox failure without warning is possible. Renault service action OTS 0ET1 / campaign 0E2M.

    Symptoms: Shaft seal between electric motor and multi-mode gearbox can wear prematurely
    2,000–13,000 $
    Ad gearbox Dacia Duster Hybrid oil leakE-Tech gearbox gasket Dustertransmission fluidgasket Hybrid Renault Duster
  • !! Gearbox drops into neutral when stopping from 28,500 km

    Sporadically the gearbox jumps from D or B into N with a strong jolt. Mechanical clunking is audible; a restart is required. Occurs from around 7,500 km.

    Symptoms: Sporadically the gearbox jumps from D or B into N with a strong jolt
    Ad gearboxcontrol unit E-Tech Duster III
  • !! Recall 0E2M: loss of drive risk E-Tech

    330,000 E-Tech vehicles recalled. The O-ring between electric motor and gearbox can fail; faulty diagnostic software then triggers limp mode and loss of drive.

    Symptoms: 330,000 vehicles recalled
    Ad O-Ring E-Motor Dacia Duster E-Tech

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: ABS wiring harness chafes on tyre sidewall

KBA recall 15066R: on 4×4 models with manual gearbox (TL8) produced 19.06.–03.09.2024, the rear ABS wiring harness may chafe against the tyre sidewall and cause ABS/ESP failure. Approx. 1,250 vehicles affected in Germany.

Symptoms: ABS and ESP warning lights, possible failure of both systems, damage to rear wiring harness visible
Ad ABS wiring loom Duster III rear
 Low
✖Recall: loose connector under dashboard

KBA recall 14486R (code 0EFZ): the R107 connector under the dashboard may come loose. Consequences: loss of drive, power steering failure, airbag deactivation and electric parking brake failure. 27,641 vehicles affected worldwide (produced 20.06.2023–11.07.2024).

Symptoms: Loss of drive while moving, power steering fails, airbag warning light, parking brake non-functional
Ad R107 Stecker Dacia Duster
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Duster 3 (2024–2026) — 8 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Body, Electronics, Brakes. Considered reliable: HR12-96kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid).

Duster (H4M-Hybrid-Duster, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Oil seal e-motor/gearbox faulty, Gearbox drops into neutral when stopping, Recall 0E2M: loss of drive risk E-Tech. Power: 93 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Dacia Duster 3 have? +
The Dacia Duster 3 has 8 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Dacia Duster 3? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: HR12-96kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid). The most reliable engine is the HR12-96kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the HR12-96kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid).
Which Dacia Duster 3 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Dacia Duster 3. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Dacia Duster 3 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Dacia Duster 3 — rated: "Decent". {description} The 1.2 Turbo with 48V mild hybrid brings 131 hp to the new Duster. Modern drivetrain with electric boost when pulling away.
Is the Dacia Duster 3 worth buying used? +
The Dacia Duster 3 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Dacia Duster 3? +
The Dacia Duster 3 is available with engine variants from 93 to 130 hp. Petrol: H4M-Hybrid-Duster (1.6L Hybrid), HR12-96kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee