KNOWN FAULTS · Dacia

Known faults for the Dacia Sandero (I).

2008–2012 · Petrol / LPG / CNG / Diesel

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

3 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.2 16V (D4F) (Petrol) · 1.4 / 1.6 MPI (K7J / K7M) (Petrol) · 1.6 16V (K4M) (Petrol) · 1.4 MPI 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.

Coils, thermostat, valve collets and front axle on the Sandero IKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Dacia Sandero I (petrol, LPG and diesel)
Period mentioned: 2008–2012
Symptoms: On the 1.2, coils and coolant loss from the thermostat housing; door locks, rust at the filler neck, an early-wearing clutch, ignition switch, starter and battery; at the roadworthiness test, suspension, steering, drive shafts, lights, brakes and exhaust mounts.
Possible cause described: Recalls: 1.2 valve collets on cars built 17/9 to 30/11/2010 (possible engine damage) and an ABS warning lamp that could fail (26/5–12/11/2008). The 1.5 dCi may need injectors and a turbo at high mileage.
Check for the garage: Check both campaigns by VIN; watch the coolant; check the front axle, brakes and exhaust.
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 pump and injectors with Delphi systemInjection / turbo

Engine / equipment: 1.5 dCi (K9K) with early Delphi injection
Period mentioned: Approx. 2001–2011
Symptoms: Injection warning, jerking, rough idle, loss of power, smoke and sometimes a no-start.
Possible cause described: In the early years, the Delphi high-pressure pump can shed metal filings that contaminate the circuit and damage the injectors one after another.
Check for the garage: Read the codes (e.g. P0087, low rail pressure) and look for filings in the diesel filter. If the circuit is contaminated, replace pump, rail and injectors and clean the tank and lines.
Cost cited in the source: Approx. €1,800–3,500 (pump, four injectors, rail and circuit cleaning)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.