2014 Dacia Duster diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Dacia Duster diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Dacia Duster diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Rigid brake pipes8.2× usual
  Dacia Duster

  25.5% All 2014 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Coil springs2.4× usual
  Dacia Duster

  13.6% All 2014 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Shock absorbers2.3× usual
  Dacia Duster

  11.8% All 2014 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Dacia Duster

  9.6% All 2014 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Dacia Duster

  8.3% All 2014 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2014 Dacia Duster diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Dacia Duster diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  38% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Rust and bodywork
  4% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Dacia Duster diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 8.2× as often on the 2014 Dacia Duster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2014 Dacia Duster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2014 Dacia Duster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?