2020 Dacia Sandero diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Dacia Sandero first registered in 2020 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 127 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 127 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2020 Dacia Sandero diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2020 Dacia Sandero diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres20% 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.
- Brakes13% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics7% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% 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 2020 Dacia Sandero diesel
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.
- 1.2 petrol and 1.5 dCi diesel
Cambelt due every six years
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.
- All engines
Dim headlights
Some owners find the headlights dim.
At the viewing: Check the lights on dipped and main beam.
- Stepway
Damaged boot sill (Stepway)
The Stepway’s high boot sill gets scuffed and damaged by heavy loads.
At the viewing: Look at the boot sill for damage.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 Dacia Sandero diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the cambelt been changed, and is there an invoice?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Dacia Sandero?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Dacia Sandero compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 498 | Tyres 10% |
| 2022 | 13,723 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 15,982 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 37,169 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 37,147 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 43,967 | Tyres 33% |
| 2016 | 42,895 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 43,341 | Tyres 32% |
| 2014 | 37,349 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 21,335 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Dacia Sandero cars first registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score