2017 Dacia Sandero petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Dacia Sandero petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Dacia Sandero petrol than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Tyre condition1.6× usual
  Dacia Sandero

  21.7% All 2017 cars

  13.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 3.5% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Headlight aim3.8× usual
  Dacia Sandero

  6.8% All 2017 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1.8% of all 2017 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.

• Engine oil leaks3.4× usual
  Dacia Sandero

  5.1% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Washers2.6× usual
  Dacia Sandero

  4.1% All 2017 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.6% of all 2017 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3× usual
  Dacia Sandero

  3.3% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2017 Dacia Sandero petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Dacia Sandero petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  19% 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
  15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  11% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  5% 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.

Known faults on the 2017 Dacia Sandero 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.

• Cambelt due every six years

  1.2 petrol and 1.5 dCi diesel

  The 1.2 petrol’s cambelt is due every six years or 72,000 miles, and the 1.5 dCi diesel’s every six years or 90,000 miles. The 0.9 TCe uses a chain.

  At the viewing: Ask for an invoice showing the cambelt was changed on time.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Dacia Sandero buying guide (2013 on)

• Dim headlights

  All engines

  Some owners find the headlights dim.

  At the viewing: Check the lights on dipped and main beam.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Dacia Sandero buying guide (2013 on)

• Damaged boot sill (Stepway)

  Stepway

  The Stepway’s high boot sill gets scuffed and damaged by heavy loads.

  At the viewing: Look at the boot sill for damage.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Dacia Sandero buying guide (2013 on)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Dacia Sandero petrol

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

1. Has the cambelt been changed, and is there an invoice?
2. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2017 Dacia Sandero petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2017 Dacia Sandero petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2017 Dacia Sandero petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?