2021 Dacia Duster petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Dacia Duster petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Dacia Duster petrol than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Headlight aim3.7× usual
  Dacia Duster

  5.6% All 2021 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.5% of all 2021 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.

• Headlights9.3× usual
  Dacia Duster

  3.7% All 2021 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.4% of all 2021 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.

Common 2021 Dacia Duster petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Dacia Duster petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% 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
  11% 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
  11% 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
  7% 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
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  1% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 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 3.7× as often on the 2021 Dacia Duster petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 9.3× as often on the 2021 Dacia Duster petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?