Dacia Sandero 3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
110 PS
1.0L Turbo Benzin
Turbo power on a budget
Decent67–73 PS
1.0L NA Benzin
2 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Dacia Sandero 3 is available with 3 engine variants — from 66 to 110 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Dacia 1.0L NA (Petrol, 67–73 PS) has the H4D-49kW (1.0L NA) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.
The Dacia 1.0L Turbo (Petrol, 91–110 PS) comes with 3 different engines: H4D-74kW (2020–2026, Be Careful) and H4D-67kW (2021–2026, Be Careful) and H4Dt-81kW (2022–2026, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L Turbo!
The Dacia 1.0L Turbo (LPG, 91–101 PS) comes with 2 different engines: H4D-74kW-LPG (2020–2026, Be Careful) and H4D-67kW-LPG (2021–2026, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L Turbo!
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Indicator doesn't self-cancel after lane change The Sandero III's indicator doesn't self-cancel after shallow steering inputs when overtaking or changing lanes. A software update can improve the behaviour. Symptoms: Indicator stays active after lane change, manual cancellation required from 15,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
Breakdown statistics
Only 2.3 breakdowns per 1,000 new registrations (model year 2020). All years from 2013 with green rating. Segment winner in the supermini class.
2024-01Breakdown statistics
Between 4 and 6 breakdowns per 1,000 registrations — one of the most reliable superminis. Segment winner 2024.
2025-01Alternatives
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Hyundai i20 BC3-FL
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Hyundai Bayon BC3
Supermini (2021–2024)
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Supermini (2021–2025)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 65 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Sandero 3 (2020–2026) — 61 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Gearbox, Interior, Body. Considered reliable: B4D (1.0L NA).
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 (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 (H4D-74kW, 2020–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 101 PS.
Sandero (H4D-49kW, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 67–73 PS.
Sandero (H4D-67kW, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 91 PS.
Sandero (H4Dt-81kW, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 110 PS.
Sandero (H4B-LPG, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Oil in spark plug tubes, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 90 PS.
Sandero (H4D-74kW-LPG, 2020–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 101 PS.
Sandero (H4D-67kW-LPG, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch on TCe variants, Oil in spark plug tubes, CVT gearbox judder. Power: 91 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
What problems and weaknesses does the Dacia Sandero 3 have? +
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Which Dacia Sandero 3 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Dacia Sandero 3 engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee