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Dacia · Compact · 2004–2012 Custom Search

Dacia Logan 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.4 / 5.0 · Based on 10 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

105 PS

Logan · Benzin

Refined four-cylinder

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

75 PS

1.4L NA Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The Dacia Logan 1 is available as Sedan and Wagon — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Dacia Logan 1 is available with 7 engine variants — from 68 to 105 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L dCi · Diesel· 68–90 PS Engine Change
2005 2012

Renault's legendary 1.5 dCi diesel engine (K9K) is considered exceptionally long-lived — 300,000 to 400,000 km with good maintenance are well documented. Early K9K-700 series had injector issues (Delphi); later 800-series variants are considerably more reliable. Strictly observe oil change intervals, as excessively long intervals can lead to con-rod bearing damage.

  • !! Injectors worn out from 105,000 km

    Delphi injection system (pre-2006) is particularly troublesome — injectors worn out by 60,000 km. Siemens system (from 2006) is significantly better.

    Symptoms: Delphi injection system (pre-2006) particularly problematic — injectors worn out by 60,000 km
    400–1,200 $
  • !! Turbocharger worn from 105,000 km

    Turbocharger can develop play from 60,000 km, especially with short-trip use and no warm-up. Whistling and smoke as symptoms.

    Symptoms: Turbocharger can develop play from 60,000 km
    800–1,500 $
  • !! Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect from 150,000 km

    Neglected oil changes can cause connecting rod bearing failure — catastrophic engine damage. Regular oil changes every 15,000 km are non-negotiable.

    Symptoms: Neglected oil changes can cause connecting rod bearing failure — catastrophic engine damage
    2,000–4,000 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2006 2012

Renault's 1.5 dCi diesel engine (K9K) is considered exceptionally long-lived. On the 63 kW variant, watch the high-pressure pump and injectors — early series with Delphi injection were more susceptible. Strictly observe oil change intervals; timing chain lasts a very long time with correct maintenance.

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.2L 16V · Petrol· 75 PS
2009 2012

Compact 1.2-litre 16V naturally aspirated engine with straightforward engineering and documented mileages up to 300,000 km with good maintenance. Timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km — if it snaps, severe engine damage results. Ignition coil and lead assembly is a known weak point; have valve clearance checked every 80,000 km.

  • !! Recall: faulty valve cotters

    Recall for vehicles produced September–November 2010: faulty valve cotters may come loose and cause engine damage.

    Symptoms: Recall for vehicles produced September–November 2010: faulty valve cotters may come loose and cause engine damage
  • !! Timing belt every 90,000 km from 85,000 km

    Timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km or 5 years. The small engine is not interference-free.

    Symptoms: Timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km
    250–400 $
  • !! Oil in spark plug tubes from 115,000 km

    Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area. Oil collects around the spark plugs and can cause misfires.

    Symptoms: Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area
    100–250 $
1.4L NA · Petrol· 75 PS
2005 2012

Renault's old-school engine with robust 8-valve technology — proven and low-maintenance. Timing belt replacement recommended every 60,000–80,000 km, as a failure causes severe engine damage. Ignition coils can weaken after several years; with regular maintenance, 250,000 km without issues is entirely achievable.

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.4L NA · LPG· 75 PS
2009 2012

Renault's old-school engine with robust 8-valve technology — proven and low-maintenance. Timing belt replacement recommended every 60,000–80,000 km, as a failure causes severe engine damage. LPG variant with factory-fitted LPG system; observe 10-year tank re-certification and regular injector checks.

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.6L 16V · Petrol· 105 PS
2006 2012

Renault's 1.6-litre 16V naturally aspirated engine is one of the most robust in the Renault family — mileages above 300,000 km are well documented. The variable valve timing (VVT) unit can cause rattling noises and slight power loss on a warm engine. Engine mounts wear and lead to noticeable vibrations at idle.

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.6L 8V · Petrol· 84–87 PS
2005 2012

Structurally simple, robust 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with high mileage potential. The water pump is the weak point: if it fails, the engine overheats and head gasket damage threatens. Camshaft bearings can become noisier at higher mileages.

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.6L 8V · LPG· 84–87 PS
2008 2012

Structurally simple, robust 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with high mileage potential. The water pump is the weak point: if it fails, head gasket damage threatens. LPG variant with factory-fitted LPG system; observe 10-year tank re-certification and have injectors checked regularly.

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Rust on sills and wheel arches

Due to poor paint quality and inadequate corrosion protection, rust forms early on sills, wheel arches, and underbody. Vehicles in salt regions are particularly badly affected.

Symptoms: Visible rust blisters on sills, underbody, and wheel arch edges; paint flaking at lower door edges
from 80,000 km
Medium

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 64 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Logan 1 (2004–2012) — 56 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Brakes, Electronics. Considered reliable: K7J (1.4L NA), K7M-64kW (1.6L 8V).

Logan (K9K-50kW, 2005–2012) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 68–75 PS.

Logan (K9K-63kW, 2006–2012) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 86–90 PS.

Logan (K4M, 2006–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt every 120,000 km, VVT actuator sticking, Ignition coils susceptible to moisture. Power: 105 PS.

Logan (D4F-55kW, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Recall: faulty valve cotters, Timing belt every 90,000 km, Oil in spark plug tubes. Power: 75 PS.

Logan (K7M-64kW-LPG, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Observe timing belt interval, Crankshaft axial play, Valve seat wear from LPG operation. Power: 84–87 PS.

Logan (K7J-LPG, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Critical timing belt interval, Thermostat sticking, Valve seat wear from LPG operation. Power: 75 PS.

Logan (K7M-62kW-LPG, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: Observe timing belt interval, Crankshaft axial play, Valve seat wear from LPG operation. Power: 84–87 PS.

Logan (D4F-55kW-LPG, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: Recall: faulty valve cotters, Timing belt every 90,000 km, Oil in spark plug tubes. Power: 75 PS.

What to watch out for with the Dacia Logan? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Dacia Logan 1 have? +
The Dacia Logan 1 has 56 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Dacia Logan 1? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: K7J (1.4L NA), K7M-64kW (1.6L 8V). The most reliable engine is the K7J (1.4L NA) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the K4M (1.6L 16V).
Which Dacia Logan 1 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Dacia Logan 1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Dacia Logan 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Dacia Logan 1 — rated: "Decent". {description} The 1.6 16V with 105 hp brings a bit more character to the Logan. Revs cleanly and feels livelier than the 8V engines.
Is the Dacia Logan 1 worth buying used? +
The Dacia Logan 1 is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 10 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Dacia Logan 1? +
The Dacia Logan 1 is available with engine variants from 68 to 105 hp. Petrol: K7J (1.4L NA), K7M-64kW (1.6L 8V), K4M (1.6L 16V), D4F-55kW (1.2L 16V). Diesel: K9K-50kW (1.5L dCi), K9K-63kW (1.5L dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee