Dacia Spring 1 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Dacia Spring is a battery-electric city car that fills a niche almost nobody else touches: the genuinely affordable EV. On price it plays in a league of its own, well below every established electric rival. That is only possible because the car is built in China and does without any hint of luxury. Anyone expecting a fully-fledged automobile will be disappointed — anyone after a cheap, nimble runabout gets exactly that. The Spring is not a motorway car; it is built for short urban trips, for commuters with a modest radius, and as a second car.
When it comes to the drivetrain, it pays to be honest. Motor output ranges from weak lower-tier versions up to around 48 kW in the stronger variant — nothing that invites spirited driving. The battery is small at roughly 26.8 kWh, which translates to a rated range of about 220 kilometres, and noticeably less in real-world use and especially in winter. Charging is slow: AC is the standard, DC fast charging is limited and not one of the car's strengths. For its defined purpose that is enough, but anything beyond that quickly turns the Spring into a test of patience. Worth noting is a measurable battery drain while parked, something to keep in mind for longer stints in the garage.
On the weak points, there is no sugar-coating it. There were recalls around the onboard charger software and a high-voltage cable clamp — both safety-relevant issues in the high-voltage system that must be confirmed as resolved before any purchase. The crash test result was poor; occupant protection was clearly an area where money was saved. On top of that come the classic budget-car issues: early rust on sills and underbody, sporadic heater failures, an air-conditioning compressor that can fail, creaking steering, and premature suspension wear that shows up at inspection. Build quality is modest and the materials are basic.
When buying used, insist on proof that the recalls were carried out, have the battery state of health checked, inspect the underbody and sills for rust, and test the heater and air-conditioning in operation. The verdict: the Spring is an honest tool for a clearly defined job. Anyone who accepts the compromises in range, safety and equipment and genuinely drives only in the city gets electric mobility at an unbeatable price. As a sole car or for long distances, it is the wrong choice.
Engine Overview
The Dacia Spring 1 is available with 2 engine variants — from 45 to 65 hp.
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor with front-wheel drive; the lithium-ion battery sits under the rear bench seat with a net capacity of just under 27 kWh. The onboard charger is single-phase AC as standard, with an optional DC fast-charging function of up to 30 kW. One recall covered a possible onboard-charger malfunction (warning message, worst case failure to start); another covered the mounting clamp of the high-voltage cable at the charging socket. Known issues also include air-conditioning compressor failures and noticeable battery capacity loss over time. When buying used, check both recall campaigns plus run a charging and air-conditioning test.
- !! Recall: HV cable clamp
Recall: high-voltage cable clamp can come loose. Vehicle immobilised or insulation fault. Free inspection.
Symptoms: Recall: high-voltage cable clamp can come loose - !! Recall: onboard charger software
Recall 2022: onboard charger software can cause charging errors. Free update at the dealer.
Symptoms: Recall 2022: onboard charger software can cause charging errors - !! A/C compressor failure from 40,000 km
The A/C compressor fails prematurely on some vehicles. High repair costs for a budget electric car.
Symptoms: A/C compressor fails prematurely on some vehicles
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor with front-wheel drive; the lithium-ion battery sits under the rear bench seat with a net capacity of just under 27 kWh. The onboard charger is single-phase AC as standard, with an optional DC fast-charging function of up to 30 kW. One recall covered a possible onboard-charger malfunction (warning message, worst case failure to start); another covered the mounting clamp of the high-voltage cable at the charging socket. Known issues also include air-conditioning compressor failures and noticeable battery capacity loss over time. When buying used, check both recall campaigns plus run a charging and air-conditioning test.
- !! Recall: HV cable clamp
Recall: high-voltage cable clamp can come loose. Vehicle immobilised or insulation fault. Free inspection.
Symptoms: Recall: high-voltage cable clamp can come loose - !! Recall: onboard charger software
Recall 2022: onboard charger software can cause charging errors. Free update at the dealer.
Symptoms: Recall 2022: onboard charger software can cause charging errors - !! A/C compressor failure from 40,000 km
The A/C compressor fails prematurely on some vehicles. High repair costs for a budget electric car.
Symptoms: A/C compressor fails prematurely on some vehicles
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain knock on load change From around 5,000 km, many owners report knocking sounds on load change that become noticeably louder with mileage. Symptoms: Distinct knocking from the drivetrain when switching from acceleration to regenerative braking from 10,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
TÜV Report
On 2–3-year-old vehicles: 13% defect rate. Suspension 20.5 times the average, leaking dampers, and lighting defects despite low mileage.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Dacia Spring 1 (2021–2026) — 4 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Rust, HVAC.
Spring (Spring_EM, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Recall: HV cable clamp, Recall: onboard charger software, A/C compressor failure. Power: 45 PS.
Spring (Spring_EM, 2023–2025) — Be Careful: Recall: HV cable clamp, Recall: onboard charger software, A/C compressor failure. Power: 65 PS.
What to watch out for with the Dacia Spring? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Dacia Spring 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Dacia Spring 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Dacia Spring 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Dacia Spring 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Dacia Spring 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee