2019 Dacia Duster petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Dacia Duster petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Dacia Duster petrol than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Headlight aim5.1× usual
  Dacia Duster

  7.6% All 2019 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 1.5% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

• Headlights6.3× usual
  Dacia Duster

  5% All 2019 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.8% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Wipers2.2× usual
  Dacia Duster

  6.8% All 2019 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Track rod ends4.3× usual
  Dacia Duster

  3% All 2019 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Rigid brake pipes10× usual
  Dacia Duster

  2% All 2019 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2019 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.

Common 2019 Dacia Duster petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Dacia Duster petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  17% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  17% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Suspension
  4% 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.

Known faults on the 2019 Dacia Duster petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Ignition switch recall (early cars)

  Early cars

  A few early cars built to October 2018 needed a new ignition switch because the key could jam in the start position.

  At the viewing: Ask a Dacia dealer whether the recall applies.

  Source: Auto Express: used Dacia Duster (Mk2, 2018 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Dacia Duster petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2019 Dacia Duster petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the 2019 Dacia Duster petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2019 Dacia Duster petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?