Used Dacia Duster 2018-2024 reliability
Category: Family SUV
No-frills motoring with a rugged charm, the Dacia Duster is very practical and good value used.
What should I look for in a used Dacia Duster 4x4?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
Not all versions of the Duster come with parking sensors, so you’ll need to check the bumpers and bodywork for damage. Also, make sure alloy wheels (if there are any fitted) don’t have any kerb damage.
The interior isn’t the best part of the Duster and its hard plastics can be scuffed by rings and general wear and tear.
Make sure there are no warning lights for the diesel particulate filter (DPF) on models equipped with the 1.5 dCi engine. If there are, it could mean there are issues with the filter, which can be expensive to fix if not covered under warranty.
If your Duster was built after December 2018, you might find that it comes with an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
What are the most common problems with a used Dacia Duster 4x4?
At the time of writing, the Duster has two recalls listed. To check whether they have affected your car, you can contact your local Dacia dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
There is a possible risk of the ignition switch not disengaging correctly after starting the vehicle, which can result in the key jamming in the start position. In rare circumstances this may cause a thermal incident.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replacement of the ignition switch.
Number of affected vehicles: 2611
Date of recall: 03/11/2020
Reason for recall
On affected vehicles the left side curtain airbag may not deploy in the event of an impact requiring its activation.
How the manufacturer will repair: Check the number of the left curtain airbag and if necessary replace the one sought identified as non-compliant.
Number of affected vehicles: 34
Date of recall: 05/02/2024
Is a used Dacia Duster 4x4 reliable?
In the small SUV class, the Duster finished in an impressive fourth place out of 23 cars in our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, with an overall score of 98.8%. It finished above the Skoda Karoq, Suzuki Vitara and Toyota Yaris Cross, but below the Audi Q2 and Mini Countryman.
Check out the full list of small SUVs here.
Dacia as a brand ranked a highly commendable sixth out of 31 manufacturers, finishing much higher than other, bigger rivals such as Ford and Vauxhall.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
Used Dacia Duster reliability: the owners' view
In our latest reliability survey, Dacia Duster owners said they had a mixed experience with reliability, depending on the specific issue encountered. Several owners praised the car’s general dependability, reporting few problems with day-to-day running. However, some noted persistent electrical faults, including warning lights and issues with the infotainment system, which often required dealer intervention.
Diesel models were occasionally flagged for emissions-related faults, including issues with sensors and exhaust components, though these weren't always costly to repair. A number of owners also reported niggles with door seals and interior fittings, though most described these as minor.
Dealer service received a lukewarm response. While some owners said repairs were handled efficiently under warranty, others criticised delays in parts availability and inconsistent communication. A few noted they had to return multiple times for the same issue, which led to frustration with the overall service experience.
