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Emergency

Before you buy a used Dacia Duster (II).

2017–2024 · Petrol / LPG / CNG / Diesel · 6 engines

Taken only from Testigo's sourced sheets. Use it to question the seller and on the test drive: it does not confirm that any particular car is affected.

Dacia Duster (II), real photo of this generation
(G)jabz · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Photo source

The essentials.

Typical faults by engine

The period and mileage are those mentioned by each sheet's sources. They are not a maintenance interval and do not predict that any particular car will fail.

All versions

Sheets the catalogue links to all 6 of its engines.

1.6 SCe (H4M)

Petrol

1.2 TCe (H5Ft)

Petrol

These also apply, described above: Creaking when pressing the clutch caused by a non-conforming batch of slave cylinders

1.0 TCe (H4Dt)

Petrol

These also apply, described above: Creaking when pressing the clutch caused by a non-conforming batch of slave cylinders

1.3 TCe (H5Ht)

Petrol

These also apply, described above: Creaking when pressing the clutch caused by a non-conforming batch of slave cylinders

1.0 TCe ECO-G (GLP)

LPG / CNG

1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K)

Diesel

  • 1.5 dCi injection warning light from the cylinder pressure sensor (Duster)Injection / turbo
    Period mentioned
    2017 onwards
    Mileage mentioned
    The sheet does not mention a mileage.
  • Dacia Duster (II) 1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K): known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine
    Period mentioned
    2017–2024
    Mileage mentioned
    What the sheet says: According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [1.5 dCi] Injection light on (up to 30/01/2018): Particulate filter pipes to be cleaned or replaced. 2) [1.5 dCi] Coolant leak (up to 08/11/2018): Radiator hose. 3) [1.5 dCi/Blue dCi] Oil seeping from the turbo air outlet pipe (up to 23/01/2019): Seal or duct. 4) [1.5 dCi/Blue dCi] Will not start (up to 25/03/2019): Glow plugs and reprogramming. 5) Engine jerking (up to May 2019): Reprogramming. 6) Engine warning light on (from 01/01/2017 to 10/12/2019): Intake air pressure sensor. 7) Engine whistle (from 01/01/2017 to 18/03/2019): Accessory belt tensioner pulley. 8) "Check emissions system" message (from 01/05/2018 to 10/11/2019): Particulate filter differential pressure sensor. 9) Engine oil light on (from 01/01/2017 to 06/03/2020): Water/oil heat exchanger. 10) Fuel pump whine in the cabin (from 01/07/2018 to 29/05/2020): Injection control unit reprogramming. 11) Oil consumption (over 0.5 l per 1,000 km) on the K9K Gen8 (from 01/05/2018 to 14/03/2020): Injection control unit reprogramming or even engine replacement (brand coverage since 2022). 12) Wrong fuel level reading (from 23/10/2017 to 28/10/2020): Reprogramming. 13) OBD and/or SCR light on: Nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensors. 14) AdBlue light on (from 01/01/2019 to 31/07/2021): Urea pump module (covered up to 5 years or 200,000 km). 15) OBD light on (up to 31/12/2022): NOx sensor cleaning. 16) Knocking in the engine bay (up to 06/09/2019): Air filter box inlet duct. 17) Various engine faults (up to 29/11/2021): Engine wiring to be repaired.
  • Clogged particulate filter on the 1.5 dCiExhaust and emissions
    Period mentioned
    2010 onwards
    Mileage mentioned
    The sheet does not mention a mileage.
  • Constant whine in the cabin from the 1.5 Blue dCi fuel pumpFuel system
    Period mentioned
    2018–2019
    Mileage mentioned
    The sheet does not mention a mileage.

    Applies if: Only the 1.5 Blue dCi built before 30/9/2019.

  • AdBlue pump damaged by a non-conforming module sealExhaust and emissions (AdBlue)
    Period mentioned
    2019–2021
    Mileage mentioned
    What the sheet says: The seal of the urea (AdBlue) pump module does not conform and ends up damaging the pump. It affects cars built from 1/1/2019 to 31/7/2021. Since June 2023, Dacia has run action 0E0K, which replaces the pump and its seal free of charge on cars under 5 years and 200,000 km, but only if the customer complains.

    Applies if: Only the 1.5 Blue dCi built from 1/1/2019 to 31/7/2021.

These also apply, described above: Creaking when pressing the clutch caused by a non-conforming batch of slave cylinders

Which engine has the fewest documented faults?

Documented faults and recalls by engine for the Dacia Duster (II)
EngineDocumented faultsRecalls
1.6 SCe (H4M)PetrolFewest documented72 with conditions2
1.2 TCe (H5Ft)Petrol82 with conditions2
1.0 TCe (H4Dt)PetrolFewest documented72 with conditions2
1.3 TCe (H5Ht)PetrolFewest documented72 with conditions2
1.0 TCe ECO-G (GLP)LPG / CNGFewest documented72 with conditions3
1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K)Diesel114 with conditions2

According to the data we have, the engines with the fewest documented faults are: 1.6 SCe (H4M) (Petrol), 1.0 TCe (H4Dt) (Petrol), 1.3 TCe (H5Ht) (Petrol), 1.0 TCe ECO-G (GLP) (LPG / CNG).

By fuel type, the one with the fewest documented faults is: LPG / CNG.

We only count the sourced sheets we have. An engine with fewer is not guaranteed to be more reliable: it may have been studied less or sold in smaller numbers.

Official recalls: ask before you pay

A recall existing does not mean this car is affected or that it is still outstanding: it depends on the chassis number, the market and the production date.

  1. Ask the seller for the chassis number (VIN): it has 17 characters, appears in the car's documents and can usually also be seen at the base of the windscreen.
  2. Ask an official Dacia dealer, or the brand's official website if it lets you check by chassis number, whether each recall has been done or is still outstanding for that VIN.
  3. Manufacturer recalls are normally carried out free of charge by the official service network. If one is outstanding, ask for it to be done before you close the sale.
The key may jam in the start positionElectrical and electronic systems

How to check it: Check the recall by VIN; replace the ignition switch and check the starter motor and its wiring.

View full entry
The left curtain airbag may not deployAirbags and seat belts

How to check it: Check the recall by VIN; check the left curtain airbag’s number and replace it if non-compliant.

View full entry
LPG tank with a faulty weldFuel system

Engines: 1.0 TCe ECO-G (GLP) (LPG / CNG)

How to check it: Check the recall by VIN; replace the LPG tank if the recall requires.

View full entry

On the test drive: what to look and listen for

Taken from each sheet's symptoms and checks. You can tick off what you have already looked at: it is saved only in this browser.

0 of 18 checked

Engine

  • Look out for: Excessive oil consumption; Knocking in the engine bay (up to 06/09/2019); Various engine faults (up to 29/11/2021)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

  • Look out for: Loss of power; Excessive oil consumption; Timing chain noise (from 28/03/2017 to 12/04/2018); Knocking in the engine bay (up to 06/09/2019); Various engine faults (up to 29/11/2021)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

  • Look out for: OBD or particulate filter light on; Lack of power or torque, jerking, will not start… (from 30/06/2019 to 17/01/2022); Metallic turbo noise (from 19/07/2019 to 05/07/2022); Faults caused by coolant in the ignition coil wells (from 09/12/2019 to 29/01/2022); Engine faults and injection light on (from 09/12/2019 to 24/11/2022); Pressure light on (up to 31/12/2022); Lack of power (from 19/12/2018 to 01/08/2023); Knocking in the engine bay (up to 06/09/2019); Various engine faults (up to 29/11/2021)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

  • Look out for: Emissions warning light on (up to 01/10/2019); Injection light on and loss of power (up to February 2021); Unstable idle, lack of power… (from 01/05/2018 to 09/04/2019); Lack of power (from 01/07/2017 to 19/06/2020); Oil pressure light on (up to 31/12/2022); Knocking in the engine bay (up to 06/09/2019); Various engine faults (up to 29/11/2021)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

  • Look out for: Faults when running on LPG (from 28/10/2019 to 22/03/2024); Knocking in the engine bay (up to 06/09/2019); Various engine faults (up to 29/11/2021)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

  • Look out for: [1.5 dCi] Injection light on (up to 30/01/2018); [1.5 dCi] Coolant leak (up to 08/11/2018); [1.5 dCi/Blue dCi] Oil seeping from the turbo air outlet pipe (up to 23/01/2019); [1.5 dCi/Blue dCi] Will not start (up to 25/03/2019); Engine jerking (up to May 2019); Engine warning light on (from 01/01/2017 to 10/12/2019); Engine whistle (from 01/01/2017 to 18/03/2019); "Check emissions system" message (from 01/05/2018 to 10/11/2019); Engine oil light on (from 01/01/2017 to 06/03/2020); Fuel pump whine in the cabin (from 01/07/2018 to 29/05/2020); Oil consumption (over 0.5 l per 1,000 km) on the K9K Gen8 (from 01/05/2018 to 14/03/2020); Wrong fuel level reading (from 23/10/2017 to 28/10/2020); OBD and/or SCR light on; AdBlue light on (from 01/01/2019 to 31/07/2021); OBD light on (up to 31/12/2022); Knocking in the engine bay (up to 06/09/2019); Various engine faults (up to 29/11/2021)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

Gearbox

  • Look out for: Gearbox noise on the 4x4 (up to 07/06/2018); Creak when pressing the clutch (up to 10/02/2020)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

Suspension and steering

  • Look out for: Reduced steering assistance and loss of ESP (up to 22/06/2018); Noise when turning the steering wheel (up to 29/08/2018); Front axle noise on rough roads (up to 23/01/2019)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

Electrical and electronic systems

  • Look out for: Wrong temperature display on automatic climate control (up to 04/06/2018); Manual air conditioning control faults (up to 27/09/2018); Media Nav bugs (up to 28/12/2018); Water gets into the cabin through the roof bars; Ventilation fault (manual air conditioning); Easy Link screen black (from 01/11/2021 to 08/02/2022); Play in the driver's seat frame (up to 23/12/2020); Headlining rattle (up to 06/02/2019)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

Bodywork

  • Look out for: Fuel flap will not open (up to 30/10/2019)

    Ask them to check: Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.

Timing system

  • Look out for: 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.

    Ask them to check: 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.

Injection / turbo

  • Look out for: 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»).

    Ask them to check: 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.

Exhaust and emissions

  • Look out for: Particulate-filter or emissions warning, limp mode with loss of power and frequent regenerations.

    Ask them to check: 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.

Transmission

  • Look out for: A creak or "crack" every time the clutch pedal is pressed; the gears engage normally.

    Ask them to check: Record the noise on your phone while pressing the clutch and show it to the garage, which compares it with the brand's recording before replacing the whole clutch.

Known weak points

  • Look out for: A 1.2 TCe chain that stretches early (serious failure); an EDC gearbox that jerks or whose electronics fail, and a clutch that wears with city or towing use; at the roadworthiness test, steering joints and indicators.

    Ask them to check: Check the wiring campaign by VIN; test the EDC in traffic; on the 1.2 TCe, listen to the chain.

Intake / engine management

  • Look out for: "Check injection" message with the orange warning light on, especially when running on LPG.

    Ask them to check: Note whether it happens on LPG or petrol, and in hot weather. At the dealer, ask about the special recalibration operation before replacing injectors or the LPG reducer.

Fuel system

  • Look out for: A continuous high-pitched whine inside the car, like a computer fan, that does not change when accelerating.

    Ask them to check: Check that the noise does not change with engine speed and ask the garage to listen around the fuel tank before replacing the turbo or the fan.

Exhaust and emissions (AdBlue)

  • Look out for: Engine and/or AdBlue warning light and a "refill AdBlue, no start in X km" message that keeps appearing even after refilling.

    Ask them to check: If the warning stays after refilling AdBlue, do not wait for the countdown: ask the dealer for action 0E0K (urea pump and seal) before paying for other AdBlue repairs.

OBD codes worth looking for

If they let you read the fault memory with an OBD reader, these are the codes mentioned in this model's sheets:

P001603DB1203DB25

Sources

Every fact on this page comes from these Testigo sheets and their original sources. Sources are not checked in real time.

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