KNOWN FAULTS · Dacia

Known faults for the Dacia Duster (I).

2010–2017 · Petrol / LPG / CNG / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

6 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.6 16V (K4M) (Petrol) · 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) (Petrol) · 1.6 16V GLP (LPG / CNG) · 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Lambda sensor, 1.2 TCe, EDC gearbox and campaigns on the Duster IKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Dacia Duster I (1.6 16V, LPG, 1.2 TCe and dCi)
Period mentioned: 2010–2017
Symptoms: On the 1.6 16V, lambda sensors and sometimes the catalytic converter; on the 1.2 TCe, a chain with a risk of serious failure and oil consumption; a fuel gauge stuck at half, central locking, air conditioning, cracking windscreens; rust on early Indian-built cars; a jerky EDC gearbox.
Possible cause described: Recalls: rear brake lines on 2010–2011 4x4s that could break in deep snow, trailer wiring (8/12/2016–13/6/2017), engine-ECU software (stop-start) and a horn that could trigger the airbag (2017).
Check for the garage: Check the campaigns by VIN; on the 1.2 TCe, listen to the chain and measure consumption; check the underbody and fuel gauge.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) (Petrol)

Excessive oil consumption on the 1.2 TCe (H5Ft)Engine

Engine / equipment: 1.2 TCe turbo petrol (H5Ft), 115–130 hp
Period mentioned: Approx. 2012–2015
Symptoms: Oil needs topping up often; the level can reach the minimum with no warning on the dashboard. In advanced cases, timing noise, loss of power or serious engine damage.
Possible cause described: Engines built between 2012 and mid-2015 burn too much oil. Renault applied a new calibration from June 2015 and reviews repair support case by case, depending on maintenance, age and mileage.
Check for the garage: Measure oil consumption with the dipstick over several thousand km, ask the dealer for a diagnosis and the calibration update, and keep every maintenance invoice to request support.
Cost cited in the source: Variable: from an ECU update to repairing or replacing the engine; Renault decides support case by case.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) (Petrol)

Stretched timing chain on the 0.9 and 1.2 TCeTiming system

Engine / equipment: 0.9 TCe (H4Bt) and 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) turbo petrol
Period mentioned: Approx. 2012–2020
Symptoms: Metallic chain rattle, especially when cold or at idle; engine light with a crankshaft–camshaft correlation code; in serious cases the chain jumps and damages the valves.
Possible cause described: The chain, meant to last the engine’s life, can stretch early; tensioners and plastic guides wear, and very long oil-change intervals speed up the wear.
Check for the garage: With any chain noise or a P0016 code, diagnose straight away: measure the stretch and check the tensioner and guides before the timing jumps. Shorten oil-change intervals.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote for the chain kit.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

Applies if: Only 2017 cars.

1.5 dCi injection warning light from the cylinder pressure sensor (Duster)Injection / turbo

Engine / equipment: Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi (K9K) from 2017
Period mentioned: 2017 onwards
Symptoms: Injection warning light on and a «Check injection» message; the car usually drives normally. Fault codes 03DB12 or 03DB25 («cylinder pressure sensor out of range»).
Possible cause described: The cylinder pressure sensor is not tightened correctly or the injection ECU has faulty software. Dacia technical note 66633 says to retighten it to the manufacturer's torque and update the ECU, usually without replacing parts.
Check for the garage: Read the codes with diagnostic equipment compatible with Renault and Dacia; if 03DB12 or 03DB25 appear, ask the garage about technical note 66633 before replacing injectors or sensors.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

1.5 dCi timing belt or pulley failureTiming system

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K)
Period mentioned: 2009–2011
Symptoms: Noise or squeal around the belts; if the timing belt breaks, the engine stops suddenly and can be badly damaged.
Possible cause described: On 2009–2011 engines, pulleys and timing or auxiliary belts were reported to break.
Check for the garage: Keep to the timing-belt interval and always replace the full kit (belt, rollers and pulleys); check the auxiliary belt and its pulley.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a timing-kit quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.5 dCi (K9K) (Diesel)

Clogged particulate filter on the 1.5 dCiExhaust and emissions

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K) with particulate filter
Period mentioned: 2010 onwards
Symptoms: Particulate-filter or emissions warning, limp mode with loss of power and frequent regenerations.
Possible cause described: The filter clogs, especially on cars that mostly make short town trips and never complete a regeneration.
Check for the garage: Read the soot load with a diagnostic tool, run a forced regeneration at the garage and check the differential-pressure sensors and EGR. Make long road trips now and then.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; from a regeneration to replacing the filter.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.