Dacia Sandero
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.
ECO-G for penny-pinchers
The 1.0 SCe with 91 hp and factory LPG is the fuel-sipping option in the Sandero. Plenty of power, very low running costs.
Engine Weaknesses 7
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
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
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
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 3
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.
Despite the improved CMF-B platform, sound insulation on the Sandero III remains at a low level. Wind and road noise stay clearly audible at higher speeds.
The Sandero III's paint is applied thinly and is more sensitive than on more expensive vehicles. Stone chips, scratches, and paint flaking appear quickly and can lead to corrosion.
Reports & Tests
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.
Between 4 and 6 breakdowns per 1,000 registrations — one of the most reliable superminis. Segment winner 2024.
