Dacia reliability and common MOT problems by model
Dacia shows a 16.9% combined MOT failure rate across 212,621 tests in MOTIntel data. Duster has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 15.2%. Sandero deserves extra checking at 18.1%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Dacia combined failure rate: 16.9% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #20 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Duster (15.2%), Logan (17.4%), Sandero (18.1%)
Sandero (18.1%), Logan (17.4%), Duster (15.2%)
Most reliable Dacia models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dacia Duster | 15.2% | 72,219 tests | 59,688 vehicles |
| 2 | Dacia Logan | 17.4% | 18,827 tests | 14,686 vehicles |
| 3 | Dacia Sandero | 18.1% | 118,979 tests | 95,621 vehicles |
Dacia models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dacia Sandero | 18.1% | 118,979 tests | 95,621 vehicles |
| 2 | Dacia Logan | 17.4% | 18,827 tests | 14,686 vehicles |
| 3 | Dacia Duster | 15.2% | 72,219 tests | 59,688 vehicles |
Common Dacia MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 20,671 MOT notes | 3 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Dacia Duster, Dacia Sandero, Dacia Logan |
| 2 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 17,914 MOT notes | 3 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Dacia Sandero, Dacia Logan, Dacia Duster |
| 3 | Suspension and steering | 13,624 MOT notes | 3 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Dacia Duster, Dacia Logan, Dacia Sandero |
| 4 | Lights and electrical | 9,777 MOT notes | 3 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Dacia Logan, Dacia Duster, Dacia Sandero |
| 5 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 4,624 MOT notes | 3 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Dacia Sandero, Dacia Logan, Dacia Duster |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 4,142 MOT notes | 3 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Dacia Duster, Dacia Sandero, Dacia Logan |
All Dacia model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandero | 118,979 | 95,621 | 18.1% |
| Duster | 72,219 | 59,688 | 15.2% |
| Logan | 18,827 | 14,686 | 17.4% |
| Duster Essential Tce 4x2 limited data | 1,489 | 1,322 | 8.6% |
| Sandero Stepway Se Twenty Tce limited data | 1,107 | 1,018 | 6.5% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.