Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
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

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
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L Hybrid · Petrol Hybrid· 140 PS
2024 2026
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Dacia 1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid (Petrol Mild-Hybrid, 125–130 PS) has the HR12-96kW (1.2L Turbo Mild Hybrid) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Dacia 1.6L Hybrid (Petrol Hybrid, 140 PS) has the H4M-Hybrid-Duster (1.6L Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Explore more

All Dacia models
Chevrolet Trax 9BQC Compact SUV (2024–2026)
Cupra Formentor I-FL Compact SUV (2024–2026)
Hyundai Tucson NX4-FL Compact SUV (2024–2026)
Hyundai Ioniq 5 NE-FL Compact SUV (2024–2026)
Smart #3 HX31 Compact SUV (2024–2026)
Subaru Crosstrek GU Compact SUV (2024–2026)

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

Alternatives

Same Segment

Chevrolet Trax 9BQC

Compact SUV (2024–2026)

Same Segment

Cupra Formentor I-FL

Compact SUV (2024–2026)

Same Segment

Hyundai Tucson NX4-FL

Compact SUV (2024–2026)

Same Segment

Hyundai Ioniq 5 NE-FL

Compact SUV (2024–2026)

Same Segment

Smart #3 HX31

Compact SUV (2024–2026)

Same Segment

Subaru Crosstrek GU

Compact SUV (2024–2026)

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