What weaknesses does the Dacia Sandero 3 have?

The Dacia Sandero 3 has 61 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses. Repair costs range from 21,180 to 49,400 EUR.

Dacia · Supermini · 2020–2026

Dacia Sandero 3

Name: Dacia Sandero 3
Brand: Dacia
Rating: 3.1 (14 reviews)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★

3.1 / 5.0 · Based on 14 engine variants · How we rate

Der Sandero III (2020–2026) ist seit 2021 Europas meistverkauftes Auto — Neupreis from $12,000, was einen Neuwagen zum Gebrauchtwagenpreis anderer Marken macht. DISTINKT vom Sandero II: neue CMF-B-Plattform (vom Clio V), modernes Design, deutlich bessere Sicherheitsausstattung.

Motor-Wahl: TCe 90 (1.0 Dreizylinder-Turbo, Schaltgetriebe) — das Herz des Sandero III. Bei Pflege unauffällig bis 80.000+ km. ECO-G 100 (LPG ab Werk) — der Spartipp: 7,2 Liter LPG/100 km, ~7,$70/100 km statt 11,$20 mit Benzin. Jährliche Ersparnis bei 10.000 km: ~$400. Ab Facelift 2026 sogar 120 PS mit 49,6-Liter-Tank (1.590 km theoretische Gesamtreichweite). SCe 65 — nur für reine Stadtnutzung.

Von der TCe 90 CVT (Jatco-Stufenlosgetriebe) bewusst kaufen: bei Kälte leichtes Ruckeln beim Anfahren, Pfeifgeräusche im Teillastbereich. Dacia gibt das Öl als "wartungsfrei" aus — Fachleute empfehlen Ölwechsel alle 70.000–80.000 km. Einzige Automatik-Option, funktional akzeptabel, aber bewusste Entscheidung.

Schwachstellen: Wasserpumpe defekt bei 43.600 km (lauter Knall, Kühlmittelverlust, Liegenbleiber) dokumentiert beim TCe. LPG-Tank-Schweißnaht-Rückruf (Feb.–Juli 2023 Produktion) — Gasdurchlass in Fahrgastraum, Brandrisiko. FIN-Abfrage beim KBA Pflicht. Turbo-Wastegate-Aktor — metallisches Knacken bei 1.000–2.100 U/min, Software-Update + Aktuator-Tausch. Media Nav friert regelmäßig ein — chronisches Ärgernis ohne Dauerlösung.

Stepway hat +50 mm Bodenfreiheit, Kunststoffbeplankung, Dachreling, bekommt als einziger den TCe 110. Mehrpreis gebraucht ~$1,000–1,500. Für schlechte Straßen empfehlenswert.

Facelift 2026: T-förmige Scheinwerfer, 10,1" Infotainment mit Wireless CarPlay, 360°-Kamera, erstmals Vollhybrid 155 PS (nur Stepway), ECO-G auf 120 PS.

Probefahrt: Kaltstart-Ruckeln bei 3–5°C ist normal (kein Defekt), CVT Stop-and-Go + Pfeifgeräusche im Teillast, Infotainment 10 Min (Freeze?), Blinker-Rückstellung nach Überholen prüfen (bekannter Software-Bug).

Marktstand 2026: TCe 90 Schaltgetriebe 2022 mit Scheckheft $9,000–12,000. ECO-G 100 $10,000–13,000. Stepway TCe 110 $12,000–15,500. Facelift 2026 neu from ~$14,000. Insider-Pick: TCe 90 Schaltgetriebe, nicht CVT, BJ 2022 mit Scheckheft — für diesen Motor sind 150.000 km ohne große Reparaturen realistisch wenn das Kühlsystem sauber bleibt.

Most Fun Engine

110 PS

Sandero · Benzin

Turbo power on a budget

Decent

Most Reliable Engine

67–73 PS

1.0L NA Benzin

2 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

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.

1.0L NA · Petrol· 67–73 PS

2021 2026

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

500–1,000 $

Ad timing chain kit H4D Dacia 1.0 TCe timing chain Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe 90
!! 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

100–250 $

Ad valve cover gasket H4D Dacia 1.0 spark plugsschacht gasket Dacia 1.0 TCe
!! 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

200–800 $

Ad CVT transmission fluid Dacia Sandero X-Tronic CVT gearbox Renault Xtronic Dacia

1.0L Turbo · Petrol· 91–110 PS Engine Change

2020 2026

More powerful turbo version of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder with good everyday performance. No hydraulic tappets — have valve clearance checked every 100,000 km. Timing chain can suffer from excessively long oil change intervals; strictly observe short oil change intervals.

!! 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

500–1,000 $

Ad timing chain Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe 100PS timing chain H4D 74kW Renault chain tensioner 1.0 TCe 100PS Dacia
!! 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

100–250 $

Ad spark plugsrohr gasket Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe 100PS spark plug tube gasket H4D 74kW valve cover gasket Duster 1.0 TCe 100PS
!! 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

200–800 $

Ad CVT gearbox Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe 100PS CVT transmission fluid Duster 1.0 TCe CVT Wandler Dacia 74kW

2021 2026

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

500–1,000 $

Ad timing chain Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe 67kW timing chain H4D 90PS Renault chain tensioner 1.0 TCe 90PS Dacia
!! 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

100–250 $

Ad spark plugsrohr gasket Dacia 1.0 TCe 67kW spark plug tube gasket H4D 90PS valve cover gasket 1.0 TCe Sandero
!! 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

200–800 $

Ad CVT gearbox Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe 90PS CVT transmission fluid 1.0 TCe 90PS Dacia CVT Wandler Dacia 67kW

2022 2026

Most powerful variant of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo. No hydraulic tappets — have valve clearance checked every 100,000 km. With the higher loads involved, allow a proper warm-up phase and observe short oil change intervals.

!! 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

500–1,000 $

Ad timing chain Dacia Jogger 1.0 TCe 110PS timing chain H4Dt 81kW Renault chain tensioner 1.0 TCe 110PS Dacia
!! 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

100–250 $

Ad spark plugsrohr gasket Dacia Jogger 1.0 TCe 110PS spark plug tube gasket H4Dt Renault valve cover gasket Jogger 1.0 TCe
!! 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

200–800 $

Ad CVT gearbox Dacia Jogger 1.0 TCe 110PS CVT transmission fluid Jogger 1.0 TCe CVT Wandler Dacia 81kW Jogger

1.0L Turbo · LPG· 91–101 PS Engine Change

2020 2026

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

500–1,000 $

Ad timing chain Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe LPG timing chain H4D LPG 74kW chain tensioner 1.0 TCe LPG 100PS
!! 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

100–250 $

Ad spark plugsrohr gasket Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe LPG spark plug tube gasket H4D LPG 74kW valve cover gasket Duster 1.0 TCe LPG
!! 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

200–800 $

Ad CVT gearbox Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe LPG CVT transmission fluid Duster 1.0 TCe LPG CVT Wandler Dacia 74kW LPG

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2021 2026

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

500–1,000 $

Ad timing chain Dacia 1.0 TCe 90PS LPG timing chain H4D LPG 67kW chain tensioner 1.0 TCe LPG Dacia
!! 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

100–250 $

Ad spark plugsrohr gasket Dacia 1.0 TCe LPG spark plug tube gasket H4D LPG valve cover gasket 1.0 TCe LPG Dacia
!! 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

200–800 $

Ad CVT gearbox Dacia 1.0 TCe LPG CVT transmission fluid 1.0 TCe LPG Dacia CVT Wandler Dacia 67kW LPG

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

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 Ad Lenkstockhebel Sandero III turn signalschalter CMF-B Dacia	Low

Test Reports

pannenstatistik

Breakdown statistics

Above average

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.

2024-01

pannenstatistik

Breakdown statistics

Above average

Between 4 and 6 breakdowns per 1,000 registrations — one of the most reliable superminis. Segment winner 2024.

2025-01

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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? +

The Dacia Sandero 3 has 61 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Dacia Sandero 3? +

faq.watch_a_solid

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: B4D (1.0L NA). The most reliable engine is the B4D (1.0L NA) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the H4Dt-81kW (1.0L Turbo).

Which Dacia Sandero 3 engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Dacia Sandero 3. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 2 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Dacia Sandero 3 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Dacia Sandero 3 — rated: "Decent". {description} 110 hp in the Sandero — the TCe 110 delivers real punch for a Dacia. Brisk off the line, works on the motorway too.

Is the Dacia Sandero 3 worth buying used? +

The Dacia Sandero 3 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 14 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.

What horsepower variants are available for the Dacia Sandero 3? +

The Dacia Sandero 3 is available with engine variants from 66 to 110 hp. Petrol: K4M (1.6L 16V), D4F-54kW (1.2L 16V), H4B (0.9L Turbo), B4D (1.0L NA), H4D-49kW (1.0L NA), H4D-67kW (1.0L Turbo), H4D-74kW (1.0L Turbo), H4Dt-81kW (1.0L Turbo). Diesel: K9K-66kW (1.5L dCi), K9K-70kW (1.5L Blue dCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee