Dacia Logan 3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Dacia Logan III (from 2020) is the cheapest new car in Europe — and that's its entire concept. Built on the CMF-B platform (like Clio V), with a single engine family and a price tag the competition can't match.
The engines: All Logan IIIs run the H4D 1.0 three-cylinder in various tunes. The naturally aspirated H4D-49kW (SCe 65) is the absolute base — enough for the city but sluggish on country roads. The turbo variants H4D-67kW (TCe 90) and H4D-74kW (TCe 100) are the all-rounders. Important: the TCe has no hydraulic tappets — valve clearance must be manually adjusted every 60,000 km. Skip it and you risk power loss and starting problems. Monitor timing chain from 120,000 km, failure = engine damage (interference engine).
The LPG unique selling point: The H4D-67kW-LPG">H4D-67kW-LPG and H4D-74kW-LPG (Eco-G) come factory-fitted with autogas — not an aftermarket kit but standard equipment. This cuts fuel costs significantly. Occasional judder when switching between petrol and gas is known but harmless.
Whole car: Thinner paint than competitors — stone chips arrive early. Poor noise insulation on the motorway. CVT automatic (X-Tronic) can develop shudder at higher mileage. Front axle noises on rough roads. All known and documented issues — but acceptable at this price point.
Test-drive checklist: TCe: does the engine idle smoothly (valve clearance)? LPG: switching petrol/gas without heavy judder? CVT: shudder when accelerating? Paint: stone chips on the front end?
Market 2026: New from $14,000 (SCe 65), used (2021–2022, 40,000 km) from $10,000. Insider pick: TCe 90 Eco-G (LPG) with manual gearbox for under $13,000 — the most economical total package on the market. No prestige, but the maths works out.
101 PS
Logan · LPG
Punchy gas-saver
Decent67–73 PS
1.0L NA Benzin
2 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Dacia Logan 3 is available with 3 engine variants — from 66 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
Turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder with moderate output for everyday use. No hydraulic tappets — have valve clearance checked every 100,000 km. Timing chain can suffer from excessively long oil change intervals; short oil change intervals and a sound cooling system are important.
- !! 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
More powerful turbo version of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder in LPG operation. No hydraulic tappets — have valve clearance checked every 100,000 km. LPG variant with factory-fitted LPG system; observe 10-year tank re-certification. Keep an eye on the cooling system with a turbocharged 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
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder in LPG operation. No hydraulic tappets — have valve clearance checked every 100,000 km. LPG variant with factory-fitted LPG system; observe 10-year tank re-certification and check injectors regularly. Pay particular attention to the cooling system.
- !! 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 58 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Logan 3 (2020–2026) — 52 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Dacia Logan 3? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Dacia Logan 3 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Dacia Logan 3 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Dacia Logan 3 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Dacia Logan 3? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee