Dacia Sandero
Compact 1.2-litre 16V naturally aspirated engine with straightforward engineering and documented mileages up to 300,000 km with good maintenance. Timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km — failure can cause severe engine damage. LPG variant with factory-fitted LPG system; observe mandatory tank re-certification every 10 years.
Small saver with gas
The 1.2 with LPG saves a decent amount of fuel. Performance is modest, but fine for the city.
Engine Weaknesses 7
Recall for vehicles produced September–November 2010: faulty valve cotters may come loose and cause engine damage.
Symptoms: Recall for vehicles produced September–November 2010: faulty valve cotters may come loose and cause engine damage
Timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km or 5 years. The small engine is not interference-free.
Symptoms: Timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km
Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area. Oil collects around the spark plugs and can cause misfires.
Symptoms: Valve cover gasket leaks in the spark plug tube area
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
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 for vehicles produced between September and October 2016 due to possible detachment of brake caliper clips, which could cause the brake line to fracture.
Defective alternators have been reported on the Sandero II and can lead to sudden loss of electrical supply.
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.
Suspension components, wishbones, and driveshafts show disproportionately high defect rates on the Sandero II from the second MOT. Tie rod ends and steering joints are regular weak points.
From the second MOT, brake discs show above-average wear. Braking performance on the brake tester frequently falls short.
The Sandero II shows early signs of corrosion on the underbody and sills after just a few years. Corrosion protection quality is well below the class average.
Battery failures are particularly common on early Sandero II model years. Disproportionately high breakdown reports, especially for the first years after market launch.
Reports & Tests
Defect rate of 8.2% on 2–3-year-old vehicles (average: 5.5%). Weak points: lighting, brake discs, exhaust emissions, and oil loss.
