Dacia Logan
Renault's 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo engine with known weak points: turbocharger prone to wear, ignition coil failures possible. LPG variant with factory-fitted LPG system; observe mandatory tank re-certification every 10 years. Additional heat from turbo and LPG operation — keep an eye on the cooling system.
Turbo meets gas
The small TCe with LPG is a pleasant surprise. Turbo-typical torque in the mid-range, and cheap to run.
Engine Weaknesses 8
Timing chain stretches after 100,000–150,000 km. Rattling on cold start is the first symptom. Replace before the chain tensioner reaches its limit.
Symptoms: Timing chain stretches after 100,000 km
Typical three-cylinder issue: valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area. Oil seeps down around the spark plugs.
Symptoms: Typical three-cylinder issue: valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area
Turbocharger seals deteriorate over time. Oil consumption of 0.5–1.0 L/1,000 km is possible. Regular oil level checks are essential.
Symptoms: Turbocharger seals deteriorate over time
LPG burns hotter than petrol — valve seats wear faster. Check valve clearance every 30,000 km. Hardened valve seats fitted from the factory.
Symptoms: LPG burns hotter than petrol — valve seats wear faster
LPG tanks must be inspected and replaced if necessary after 10 years (mandatory inspection). Internal corrosion from condensation is possible.
Symptoms: LPG tanks must be inspected after 10 years
Wastegate flap on the turbocharger rattles at low engine speeds. No power loss, but an annoying noise.
Symptoms: Wastegate flap on the turbocharger rattles at low engine speeds
Landi Renzo LPG injectors foul up over time. Replace the gas filter every 15,000 km. Rough running in LPG mode is a symptom.
Symptoms: Landi Renzo LPG injectors foul up over time
LPG ECU (Landi Renzo) is encrypted — only specialist workshops can read it. Regular Dacia dealers are often unable to diagnose it.
Symptoms: LPG ECU (Landi Renzo) is encrypted — only specialist workshops can read it
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.
