Small car · 1999–2021 cars
Dacia Sandero reliability
The Dacia Sandero fails 30.8% of first MOT tests, 62% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 292,104 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Dacia Sandero before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 30.8%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 62% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 292,104
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,000
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Dacia Sandero is below average for reliability. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 30.8%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 62% more MOT fails, and it ranks 62 of 63 small car models. Body, chassis and structure is its weakest area, with 335% more fails than comparable cars. 2021 is the best year, with 20% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2019 is the weakest, with 81% more.
A below-average model can still be a good buy when you check the right things. Before you buy, check the CV joint boots for splits (4.04% of tests), headlamp aim (3.58%), wiper blades (3.45%) and coil springs for fractures (2.64%). Look closely at the bodywork and underside too.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Dacia Sandero ages
Each point is the share of Dacia Sanderos of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Dacia Sandero | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 19.5% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 21.7% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 24.4% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 29.6% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 35.2% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 39.4% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 41.6% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 41.6% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 40.7% | 34.6% |
By year
The best and worst Dacia Sandero years
2021 cars come out best and 2019 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Sandero | 1,517 | 12.3% | 20% more fails | 19,159 |
| 2020 Sandero | 12,990 | 19.4% | 77% more fails | 21,494 |
| 2019 Sandero | 30,741 | 21.5% | 81% more fails | 24,257 |
| 2018 Sandero | 40,410 | 22.9% | 70% more fails | 29,184 |
| 2017 Sandero | 47,989 | 26.3% | 62% more fails | 37,631 |
| 2016 Sandero | 46,266 | 31% | 62% more fails | 45,866 |
| 2015 Sandero | 47,330 | 38.7% | 72% more fails | 54,271 |
| 2014 Sandero | 41,270 | 41.5% | 59% more fails | 62,486 |
| 2013 Sandero | 23,515 | 38% | 33% more fails | 66,382 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Dacia Sandero
Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 335% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.4%122% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.8%125% above avg
- Suspension7.7%88% above avg
- Brakes6.2%69% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure5.2%335% above avg
- Tyres5%6% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.7%21% above avg
- Steering1%27% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.6%43% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.04% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 2
Headlamp aim set too low 3.58% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.45% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.64% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 5
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.15% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 6
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.13% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 7
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.82% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Dacia Sandero's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking14.43%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.53%
- Brake disc pitted or scored7.62%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.36%
- Brake discs showing some wear2.69%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.54%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Dacia Sandero
- 1
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 2
Headlamp aim set too low
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 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 Sandero covers about 7,000 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
- Petrol75%
- Diesel24.8%
- LPG0.2%
Most common colours
White, Blue, Black, Red, Grey
Average engine size: 1.1 litres.
Compare
How the Dacia Sandero compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai i20 | 27% | 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mazda 2 | 30.8% | 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia Rio | 30.9% | 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 206 | 48.5% | 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Fiat Punto | 44.5% | 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën DS3 | 46% | 51% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Dacia Sandero | 30.8% | 62% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small car ranked in the small car reliability index, or all Dacia models.
Questions
Dacia Sandero questions, answered
Is the Dacia Sandero reliable?
On MOT results, the Dacia Sandero is well below average: it fails 30.8% of first MOT tests, 62% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 62 of 63 small car models in our index.
What fails most on a Dacia Sandero MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Dacia Sandero are cv joint boot split or insecure (4.04% of tests), headlamp aim set too low (3.58% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.45% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 12.4% of its tests.
Which Dacia Sandero year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2021 cars do best (20% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2019 cars do worst (81% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Dacia Sandero do a year?
A typical Dacia Sandero covers about 7,000 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 Sandero 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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