Dacia Sandero 2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
105 PS
1.6L 16V Benzin
Refined four-cylinder
Decent67–73 PS
1.0L NA Benzin
2 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Dacia Sandero 2 is available with 11 engine variants — from 67 to 105 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Dacia 1.5L Blue dCi (Diesel, 90–95 PS) has the K9K-70kW (1.5L Blue dCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 1.5L dCi (Diesel, 68–95 PS) comes with 4 different engines: K9K-55kW (2012–2015, Be Careful) and K9K-63kW (2012–2018, Be Careful) and K9K-65kW (2012–2020, Be Careful) and K9K-66kW (2012–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L dCi!
The Dacia 0.9L Turbo (Petrol, 90 PS) has the H4B (0.9L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 0.9L Turbo (LPG, 90 PS) has the H4B-LPG (0.9L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 0.9L Turbo (CNG, 90 PS) has the H4B-CNG (0.9L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 1.0L NA (Petrol, 67–73 PS) has the B4D (1.0L NA) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 1.2L 16V (Petrol, 73–75 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4F-55kW (2012–2015, Be Careful) and D4F-54kW (2015–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L 16V!
The Dacia 1.2L 16V (LPG, 75 PS) has the D4F-55kW-LPG (1.2L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 105 PS) has the K4M (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 1.6L 8V (Petrol, 84–87 PS) has the K7M-62kW (1.6L 8V) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 1.6L 8V (LPG, 84–87 PS) has the K7M-62kW-LPG (1.6L 8V) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Defective alternator Defective alternators have been reported on the Sandero II and can lead to sudden loss of electrical supply. Symptoms: Battery warning, weakening electrical components, vehicle cuts out or won't start from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Defective steering column light switch Faults in the steering column stalk of the light switch unit cause unreliable low beam operation. A known weak point that can result in MOT defects. Symptoms: Low beam switches off unintentionally or cannot be switched on; indicator stalk responds unreliably from 70,000 km | Low | |
| Frequent battery failures (model years 2012-2014) Battery failures are particularly common on early Sandero II model years. Disproportionately high breakdown reports, especially for the first years after market launch. Symptoms: Vehicle won't start, especially after sitting for several days; electrical consumers respond sluggishly from 40,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report
Defect rate of 8.2% on 2–3-year-old vehicles (average: 5.5%). Weak points: lighting, brake discs, exhaust emissions, and oil loss.
2020-01Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 80 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Sandero 2 (2012–2020) — 72 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Other, Brakes. Considered reliable: K7M-62kW (1.6L 8V), B4D (1.0L NA).
Sandero (K9K-55kW, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 68–75 PS.
Sandero (K9K-63kW, 2012–2018) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 86–90 PS.
Sandero (K9K-65kW, 2012–2020) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 86–95 PS.
Sandero (K9K-66kW, 2012–2021) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 86–95 PS.
Sandero (K9K-70kW, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Injectors worn out, Turbocharger worn, Connecting rod bearing damage from oil neglect. Power: 90–95 PS.
Sandero (K4M, 2012–2021) — Be Careful: Timing belt every 120,000 km, VVT actuator sticking, Ignition coils susceptible to moisture. Power: 105 PS.
Sandero (D4F-55kW, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Recall: faulty valve cotters, Timing belt every 90,000 km, Oil in spark plug tubes. Power: 73–75 PS.
Sandero (H4B, 2012–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Oil in spark plug tubes, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 90 PS.
Sandero (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.
Sandero (K7M-62kW-LPG, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: Observe timing belt interval, Crankshaft axial play, Valve seat wear from LPG operation. Power: 84–87 PS.
Sandero (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.
Sandero (H4B-LPG, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Oil in spark plug tubes, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 90 PS.
Sandero (H4B-CNG, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Oil in spark plug tubes, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 90 PS.
What to watch out for with the Dacia Sandero? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee