Dacia Sandero
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 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.
