Dacia Logan 3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
From 2020, the Logan III marks the leap into the modern era — though now only as a three-box saloon, since Dacia dropped the estate from the German line-up in this generation. Built on the current CMF-B platform from the Renault-Nissan group, it feels more grown-up and better equipped for safety than its predecessors, yet stays true to its core: lots of car for the money, kept simple, with no premium airs. Anyone after a large, cheap new or nearly-new saloon with a warranty will find one of the last genuine bargains in the segment.
The engine range is narrow and revolves entirely around the one-litre three-cylinder H4D. In the 49 kW naturally aspirated form it is economical but sluggish, really too weak for more than town use. The turbo variants with 67 and 74 kW are the more sensible choice, delivering solid torque from low revs thanks to forced induction. Worth knowing: these modern turbos use a timing chain, and chain stretch is a known issue on TCe engines — which makes them fundamentally trickier than the old timing-belt naturally aspirated units of the predecessors. The absence of hydraulic tappet compensation also means the valve clearance must be checked at intervals. The factory LPG variants are very popular for their low fuel costs and are the cheapest way to run the Logan day to day — with the usual watch on valve-seat wear and gas-tank condition.
With the gearbox, caution is advised: the CVT automatic tends to shudder at constant speed, which even shows up as a vehicle weakness in its own right. Where possible, favour the manual. Otherwise the trouble spots are typical Dacia and harmless: thin, chip-prone paint, modest sound insulation with noticeable road noise, an indicator that doesn't cancel cleanly after overtaking, and front-axle components that can flag up at the technical inspection.
Bottom line: the Logan III is an honest, cheap new car with modern safety kit — as long as you set expectations right. The turbo petrols, ideally as LPG, are the rounded choice but demand more maintenance discipline than the indestructible old naturally aspirated units. I'd steer clear of the CVT; the manual is the more honest recommendation.
101 PS
Logan · LPG
Punchy gas-saver
Decent73 PS
1.0L NA Benzin
3 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Dacia Logan 3 is available with 7 engine variants — from 67 to 101 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Naturally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder without turbo — maximum simplicity with low maintenance requirements. No hydraulic tappets, so have valve clearance checked every 100,000 km. Timing chain can wear prematurely with excessively long oil change intervals; pay particular attention to the cooling system on this aluminium engine.
- !! Timing chain stretch on TCe variants from 140,000 km
Timing chain can stretch on the turbocharged variants (TCe) after 120,000–160,000 km. Cold-start rattling is an early warning sign.
Symptoms: Timing chain can stretch on TCe variants after 120,000 km - !! Oil in spark plug tubes from 90,000 km
Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area. Same issue as the H4B three-cylinder.
Symptoms: Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area - !! CVT gearbox judder from 90,000 km
CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed. A software update may help; otherwise the variator belt is worn.
Symptoms: CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed
A turbocharged three-cylinder of one litre displacement — moderately powerful, but thanks to forced induction it offers decent torque from low revs. The characteristic three-cylinder note and a slight turbo lag at very low speeds are part of its nature. There are no hydraulic lifters, so valve clearances must be checked on schedule. The timing chain is the critical item: with overly long oil-change intervals or poor-quality oil it can stretch, announced by a cold-start rattle — short oil-change intervals and a flawless cooling system are therefore essential. As the rocker cover gasket ages, oil collects in the spark plug wells and causes misfires. Overall a modern, economical unit that nonetheless demands consistent care.
- !! Timing chain stretch on TCe variants from 140,000 km
Timing chain can stretch on the turbocharged variants (TCe) after 120,000–160,000 km. Cold-start rattling is an early warning sign.
Symptoms: Timing chain can stretch on TCe variants after 120,000 km - !! Oil in spark plug tubes from 90,000 km
Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area. Same issue as the H4B three-cylinder.
Symptoms: Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area - !! CVT gearbox judder from 90,000 km
CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed. A software update may help; otherwise the variator belt is worn.
Symptoms: CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed
A stronger turbo version of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder, here with a factory-fitted autogas system running in bi-fuel mode. The valvetrain has no hydraulic lifters, so valve clearance must be checked at the specified interval — gas operation increases valve seat wear, and excessive clearance otherwise leads to power loss and damage. The timing chain can stretch as on the petrol turbo variants and announces itself with rattling. Oil in the spark plug wells appears over time. The gas injectors are prone to fouling and should be serviced, while the gas tank is subject to mandatory recertification after around ten years and can corrode. Diagnostics of the gas system are limited with standard equipment.
- !! Timing chain stretch on TCe variants from 140,000 km
Timing chain can stretch on the turbocharged variants (TCe) after 120,000–160,000 km. Cold-start rattling is an early warning sign.
Symptoms: Timing chain can stretch on TCe variants after 120,000 km - !! Oil in spark plug tubes from 90,000 km
Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area. Same issue as the H4B three-cylinder.
Symptoms: Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area - !! CVT gearbox judder from 90,000 km
CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed. A software update may help; otherwise the variator belt is worn.
Symptoms: CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
A turbocharged one-litre three-cylinder running on factory LPG — lively and economical, but demanding careful maintenance. There is no hydraulic lash adjustment, so valve clearances need regular checks. The timing chain can stretch if oil servicing is deferred, making clean change intervals essential. Oil in the spark-plug wells appears over the years. Gas operation adds load to the valve seats, the gas injectors foul up and diagnostics of the gas system are limited; the tank requires its mandatory revision. The small turbo's cooling system deserves particular attention.
- !! Timing chain stretch on TCe variants from 140,000 km
Timing chain can stretch on the turbocharged variants (TCe) after 120,000–160,000 km. Cold-start rattling is an early warning sign.
Symptoms: Timing chain can stretch on TCe variants after 120,000 km - !! Oil in spark plug tubes from 90,000 km
Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area. Same issue as the H4B three-cylinder.
Symptoms: Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area - !! CVT gearbox judder from 90,000 km
CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed. A software update may help; otherwise the variator belt is worn.
Symptoms: CVT gearbox (X-Tronic) judders at constant speed
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Indicator doesn't self-cancel after overtaking The indicator stalk does not reliably cancel after turning in, especially when overtaking. A software update or replacement of the unit can help. Symptoms: Indicator stays on after lane change or overtaking manoeuvre; manual cancellation required from 20,000 km | Low | |
| Intermittent injection warning Some vehicles occasionally show an 'Check injection' warning without a permanent fault. Often a software or sensor issue identifiable by diagnostic scan. Symptoms: Engine warning light and 'Check injection' message, often disappears on its own from 25,000 km | Low |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 59 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Logan 3 (2020–2026) — 53 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Gearbox, Interior, Body. Considered reliable: B4D (1.0L NA).
Logan (K9K-55kW, 2012–2021) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 68–75 PS.
Logan (K9K-66kW, 2012–2021) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 86–95 PS.
Logan (K9K-70kW, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 90–95 PS.
Logan (H4B, 2012–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Oil in spark plug tubes, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 90 PS.
Logan (D4F-54kW, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Recall: faulty valve cotters, Timing belt every 90,000 km, Oil in spark plug tubes. Power: 73–75 PS.
Logan (H4D-49kW, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 66–73 PS.
Logan (H4D-67kW, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 91 PS.
Logan (H4B-LPG, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Oil in spark plug tubes, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 90 PS.
Logan (H4D-74kW-LPG, 2020–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 101 PS.
Logan (H4D-67kW-LPG, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 91 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 3 have? +
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Which Dacia Logan 3 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Dacia Logan 3 engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee