Small SUV · 2010–2021 cars
Dacia Duster reliability
The Dacia Duster fails 26.9% of first MOT tests, 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 186,286 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Dacia Duster before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 26.9%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 39% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 186,286
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,300
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Dacia Duster is a below-average pick on MOT results. Its first-time fail rate is 26.9%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 39% more MOT fails, and it ranks 38 of 40 small SUV models. Cars from 2017 do best, at 30% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2021 cars are weakest, at 67% more.
A below-average score doesn't rule the Duster out. Plenty pass first time, so the individual car matters more than the badge. Steering is its weakest area, with 140% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage, so test drive it carefully. Before you buy, check the headlamp beam pattern, the wiper blades, the dipped beam headlamp, the tyre tread (below 1.6mm) and the steering.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Dacia Duster ages
Each point is the share of Dacia Dusters of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Dacia Duster | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 17.6% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 21.3% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 23.2% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 25.2% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 30.3% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 35.6% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 38.3% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 41.5% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 41.1% | 34.6% |
By year
The best and worst Dacia Duster years
2017 cars come out best and 2021 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Duster | 2,991 | 19.2% | 67% more fails | 24,991 |
| 2020 Duster | 13,903 | 18.8% | 55% more fails | 27,586 |
| 2019 Duster | 36,985 | 21% | 61% more fails | 30,113 |
| 2018 Duster | 27,069 | 21.8% | 49% more fails | 35,527 |
| 2017 Duster | 21,309 | 22.4% | 30% more fails | 42,890 |
| 2016 Duster | 23,295 | 27.3% | 32% more fails | 54,410 |
| 2015 Duster | 19,590 | 31.6% | 31% more fails | 63,483 |
| 2014 Duster | 19,220 | 37.3% | 35% more fails | 71,505 |
| 2013 Duster | 21,825 | 40.4% | 31% more fails | 78,552 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Dacia Duster
Its weak spot is steering: 140% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.4%131% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.7%62% above avg
- Brakes5.7%49% above avg
- Tyres4.8%13% below avg
- Suspension4.2%3% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure2.8%127% above avg
- Steering2%140% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.5%5% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.8%95% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.01% of tests
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.73% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.73% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.2% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Headlamp aim set too low 2.13% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 6
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.49% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 7
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 1.34% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 8
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.22% of tests
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Dacia Duster's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit13.9%
- Brake disc pitted or scored8.35%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.54%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy5.11%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.35%
- Brake discs showing some wear2.82%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Dacia Duster
- 1
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Dipped beam headlamp not working
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Dacia Duster covers about 8,300 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel57.7%
- Petrol41.7%
- LPG0.6%
- Other0%
Most common colours
White, Grey, Blue, Black, Orange
Average engine size: 1.4 litres.
Compare
How the Dacia Duster compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Audi Q2 | 9.1% | 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen T-Roc | 9% | 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo XC40 | 9.3% | 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | 13.4% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Suzuki Vitara | 14.8% | 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota C-HR | 14.2% | 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Dacia Duster | 26.9% | 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Dacia models.
Questions
Dacia Duster questions, answered
Is the Dacia Duster reliable?
On MOT results, the Dacia Duster is well below average: it fails 26.9% of first MOT tests, 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 38 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Dacia Duster MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Dacia Duster are headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (3.01% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.73% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (2.73% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 13.4% of its tests.
Which Dacia Duster year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2017 cars do best (30% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2021 cars do worst (67% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Dacia Duster do a year?
A typical Dacia Duster covers about 8,300 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Dacia Duster before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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