Dacia Logan
Simple 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, designed for economical urban use. No hydraulic tappets — have valve clearance checked every 100,000 km. Timing chain is maintenance-free, but damage from excessively long oil change intervals is documented; short oil change intervals are essential.
Bare basics
The 1.0 SCe with 67 hp is the entry-level engine. Fine for city driving, nothing more.
Engine Weaknesses 2
2021 recall for Sandero III: fuel line may develop a leak. 20,600 vehicles affected. Free repair at the dealer.
Symptoms: 2021 recall for Sandero III: fuel line may develop a leak
Typical three-cylinder vibrations at idle, especially with the air conditioning on. By design, not a defect. Check engine mounts if vibrations are more pronounced.
Symptoms: Typical three-cylinder vibrations at idle, especially with the air conditioning on
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Recall issued for vehicles produced between September and December 2015 due to possible fatigue fractures of the steering rod. Safety-critical.
Recall for 2012/2013 models due to faulty ignition unit wiring that could prevent airbag deployment in a crash.
Recall for several model years due to possible breakage of the bonnet latch bracket, which can cause the bonnet to fly open while driving.
Steering joints and tie rod ends remain regular weak points at MOT in the second generation as well. The defect rate is well above the vehicle average.
Lighting defects appear on the Logan II after just a few years of use. Low beam, tail lights, and indicators fail at well above average rates at MOT.
The Logan II's paint is thinly applied and vulnerable to stone chips. Windscreens scratch quickly and become hazy, impairing visibility in direct sunlight.
Battery failures are among the frequent breakdown reports for the Logan II, especially for model years 2012 to 2014. The standard batteries are undersized for the vehicle's power demands.
Reports & Tests
Defect rate of 39.6% on 10–11-year-old vehicles. Suspension, brakes, and exhaust emissions are chronic problem areas.
