Common problems · Dacia
Dacia Sandero common problems and recalls
9 sourced problems across the Sandero's generations since 2012, plus 2 DVSA recalls. Enter a registration to see the ones that apply to your exact car.
Free · no signup · recalls, MOT data and researched problems
Sandero / Sandero Stepway Mk3 (2020 on)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · DaciaFuel system
Recall: fuel supply hose may leak in the engine bay
On some early Sandero Mk3s the fuel supply hose was not fitted properly on the production line, so fuel could leak in the engine compartment. Dealers checked the fuel system and fitted a new pipe.
Applies to: Sandero Mk3 built up to September 2021 (571 cars)
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Dacia dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 4 publishersEmissions, DPF & AdBlue
If it has the Renault-Nissan 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K): 1.5 dCi diesel: DPF clogging on short trips
The diesel particulate filter on the 1.5 dCi is known to clog on cars that mostly do short, slow journeys, bringing up a warning light and costing a lot if the filter has to be replaced. Interrupted regenerations can also wash fuel into the oil, so the oil level slowly rises — a sign to have it checked. A regular motorway run helps; a mainly town car is better off as a petrol.
Applies to: Renault, Dacia and Nissan with the 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K) and a particulate filter, including Clio, Captur, Mégane, Scénic, Kadjar, Duster, Sandero, Logan, Micra, Note, Juke, Qashqai and Pulsar
Mostly a problem for cars used on short trips; a diesel that has done regular long runs is far less likely to have it.
6 sources
- Parkers — Used Renault Clio Hatchback (2012 - 2019) Review
- What Car? — Used Renault Megane Hatchback 2008 - 2016 review – reliability & common problems
- What Car? — Used Nissan Micra 2017-2022 review – reliability & common problems
- What Car? — Used Dacia Duster 2013-2018 review – reliability & common problems
- Auto Express — Used Nissan Micra (Mk5, 2016-date) review
- Car Mechanics — Buying and owning the Nissan Juke Mk1
- Reported by 3 publishersTiming belt / chain
If it has the Renault-Nissan 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K): 1.5 dCi diesel: timing belt failures, some before the due date
The 1.5 dCi uses a timing belt, and belt failures are reported — some before the official change interval. A belt that snaps can wreck the engine. Intervals vary by model and year (from about four years / 60,000 miles to six years / 90,000 miles), and several sources suggest doing it early. Check the history for a belt, tensioner and water pump change.
Applies to: Renault, Dacia and Nissan with the 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K), including Clio, Captur, Mégane, Scénic, Kadjar, Duster, Sandero, Logan, Micra, Note, Juke, Qashqai and Pulsar
- Reported by 2 publishersTurbo
If it has the Renault-Nissan 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K): 1.5 dCi diesel: turbo failures
Turbo failures are reported on the 1.5 dCi, sometimes at fairly low mileages. Short, slow journeys and switching off straight after a hard drive are blamed, along with missed oil changes. Whistling and a loss of power are the early signs. Regular oil changes and a full service history are the best protection.
Applies to: Renault, Dacia and Nissan with the 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K), including Clio, Captur, Mégane, Scénic, Kadjar, Duster, Sandero, Logan, Micra, Note, Qashqai and Pulsar
Measured at MOT: how a 2023 Sandero fails more often
Based on 17,596 first MOT tests of this model at 3 years old (cars first used 2021–2022), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
Sandero / Sandero Stepway Mk2 (2012–2020)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · DaciaSteering
Recall: steering rack ball joint can break
On a small number of Sanderos and Logans built in late 2015, a part at the ball joint on the steering rod could break under excessive stress. Dealers checked the steering rack type and replaced it where needed.
Applies to: Sandero and Logan MCV built September – December 2015 (1,517 vehicles)
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Dacia dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · DaciaInterior
Recall: driver's airbag may not deploy (2012–2013 builds)
An internal defect in the driver's airbag on some early Sanderos and Logans meant it might not deploy in a crash. Dealers checked the airbag and replaced it where needed.
Applies to: Sandero and Logan MCV built September 2012 – December 2013 (1,048 vehicles)
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Dacia dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · DaciaInterior
Recall: driver's airbag may not deploy correctly (2018 builds)
Some Sanderos and Logans built in 2018 were recalled because the driver's airbag might not deploy correctly in an impact. The airbag was replaced.
Applies to: Sandero and Logan MCV built April – August 2018 (1,963 vehicles)
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Dacia dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · DaciaElectrics
Recall: ignition key can jam in the start position
The ignition switch might not return properly after starting, leaving the key jammed in the start position and the starter motor engaged; in rare cases this could lead to overheating. The ignition switch was replaced.
Applies to: Duster, Sandero and Logan MCV built September 2017 – October 2018 (2,611 vehicles)
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Dacia dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · DaciaFuel system
If it has the Renault-Nissan 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K): Recall: diesel fuel leak in the engine bay (Logan, Sandero)
Dacia Logan and Sandero diesels from around 2013–2015 were recalled because diesel could leak in the engine bay. Dealers fit a protective clip or replace the pipe. A smell of diesel is the sign to look for.
Applies to: Dacia Logan and Sandero 1.5 dCi diesel listed by DVSA for 2013–2015
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 4 publishersEmissions, DPF & AdBlue
If it has the Renault-Nissan 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K): 1.5 dCi diesel: DPF clogging on short trips
The diesel particulate filter on the 1.5 dCi is known to clog on cars that mostly do short, slow journeys, bringing up a warning light and costing a lot if the filter has to be replaced. Interrupted regenerations can also wash fuel into the oil, so the oil level slowly rises — a sign to have it checked. A regular motorway run helps; a mainly town car is better off as a petrol.
Applies to: Renault, Dacia and Nissan with the 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K) and a particulate filter, including Clio, Captur, Mégane, Scénic, Kadjar, Duster, Sandero, Logan, Micra, Note, Juke, Qashqai and Pulsar
Mostly a problem for cars used on short trips; a diesel that has done regular long runs is far less likely to have it.
6 sources
- Parkers — Used Renault Clio Hatchback (2012 - 2019) Review
- What Car? — Used Renault Megane Hatchback 2008 - 2016 review – reliability & common problems
- What Car? — Used Nissan Micra 2017-2022 review – reliability & common problems
- What Car? — Used Dacia Duster 2013-2018 review – reliability & common problems
- Auto Express — Used Nissan Micra (Mk5, 2016-date) review
- Car Mechanics — Buying and owning the Nissan Juke Mk1
- Reported by 3 publishersTiming belt / chain
If it has the Renault-Nissan 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K): 1.5 dCi diesel: timing belt failures, some before the due date
The 1.5 dCi uses a timing belt, and belt failures are reported — some before the official change interval. A belt that snaps can wreck the engine. Intervals vary by model and year (from about four years / 60,000 miles to six years / 90,000 miles), and several sources suggest doing it early. Check the history for a belt, tensioner and water pump change.
Applies to: Renault, Dacia and Nissan with the 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K), including Clio, Captur, Mégane, Scénic, Kadjar, Duster, Sandero, Logan, Micra, Note, Juke, Qashqai and Pulsar
- Reported by 2 publishersTurbo
If it has the Renault-Nissan 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K): 1.5 dCi diesel: turbo failures
Turbo failures are reported on the 1.5 dCi, sometimes at fairly low mileages. Short, slow journeys and switching off straight after a hard drive are blamed, along with missed oil changes. Whistling and a loss of power are the early signs. Regular oil changes and a full service history are the best protection.
Applies to: Renault, Dacia and Nissan with the 1.5 dCi diesel (K9K), including Clio, Captur, Mégane, Scénic, Kadjar, Duster, Sandero, Logan, Micra, Note, Qashqai and Pulsar
DVSA recalls for the Sandero / Sandero Stepway Mk2
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- The contact between the positive battery terminal and the alternator could cause an electrical short circuitR/2020/006 · 21/01/2020
Contact between the positive battery terminal and the alternator could cause an electrical short circuit.
Remedy: Modify the wiring route and if necessary replace the alternator.
Listed for: SANDERO · built 2019
- Poorly fitted fuel supply hose leading to a potential leak in the engine compartmentR/2021/364 · 12/10/2021
Poorly fitted fuel supply hose leading to a potential leak in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Check the fuel system on all vehicles and replacing the fuel pipe.
Listed for: SANDERO III · built 2020–2021
Measured at MOT: how a 2016 Sandero fails more often
Based on 23,328 first MOT tests of this model at 10 years old (cars first used 2014–2015), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
MOT failure rate: the Sandero against vehicles its age
In our analysis of DVSA's anonymised MOT data for 2024 and 2025, 32.7% of 206,571 initial MOT tests on the Dacia Sandero failed at the first attempt — 49% more often than vehicles of the same ages and fuel types, which failed 21.8%.
SanderoCars of the same age and fuel (all makes)
| Age | Tests | Bars | Sandero | Same age & fuel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | 59,815 | 20.4% | 13.4% | 50% higher | |
| 6–9 years | 108,616 | 35.5% | 22.9% | 54% higher | |
| 10–14 years | 38,140 | 44.0% | 32.1% | 36% higher |
These describe the model, not one car: how vehicles are used and maintained shows up as much as how they were built. Differences are the conservative end of a 95% confidence interval.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Rates and comparisons are FindServiceHistory's own analysis, not DVSA figures.
These describe the model, not one car. Plenty of cars never have the problems their model is known for, and a recall may already have been done on yours. Every problem links to its sources; a reported problem needs two independent publishers before we list it.
Recalls are listed by DVSA for the model around its build date — check a specific car by VIN at GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
What are the most common Sandero problems?
For cars built from 2012, the problems at least two independent publishers report include: 1.5 dCi diesel: DPF clogging on short trips; 1.5 dCi diesel: timing belt failures, some before the due date; 1.5 dCi diesel: turbo failures. Which apply depends on the generation and engine — they are listed generation by generation above, each with its sources.
Has the Sandero been recalled?
Yes. DVSA lists recalls for the Sandero built from 2012, shown above by generation. A recall covers a range of chassis numbers, so not every car is affected — check a specific car by VIN on GOV.UK, or by registration with our checker.
Does my Sandero have these problems?
Not necessarily. These describe the model; many cars never have them, and a well-maintained car is less likely to. Enter your registration above to see the problems for your exact generation and engine, and whether DVSA records an outstanding recall on it. Whether a known problem was fixed is what a service history check shows.
Has this Sandero had the work done?
A known problem matters far less on a car whose dealer records show it was fixed. A service history check returns the manufacturer's own dealership records for a specific car — and there's no charge if we find nothing.
Check a Dacia service history