Dacia Duster II (2017 – 2023)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The Dacia Duster II (also marketed as the Renault Duster in Latin America, Russia, and the Middle East) is a pragmatic, budget-friendly compact SUV that builds upon the massive success of its predecessor. Introduced in late 2017, it retained the rugged B0 platform but featured completely redesigned exterior body panels, vastly improved interior ergonomics, better soundproofing, and upgraded technology (including blind-spot monitoring and a multi-view camera). A mid-cycle facelift in 2021 brought Y-shaped LED signatures, an updated 8-inch infotainment system, and the return of the EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission. While it remains a low-cost vehicle with hard interior plastics and a modest 3-star Euro NCAP safety rating, its unbeatable value-for-money, proven Renault-sourced powertrai

✅ Strengths

⚠️ Weaknesses

🎯 Verdict

The Dacia Duster II is a brilliant utilitarian SUV that democratized access to rugged, practical motoring. If you are specifically looking for a diesel, the 1.5 dCi is a fantastic workhorse, offering great torque and incredible fuel efficiency. However, you must be extremely cautious with the Blue dCi versions (post-2018) due to the widespread and costly AdBlue tank failures. If you buy a Blue dCi, try to find one that has already had its AdBlue tank replaced under warranty, and ensure your driving profile includes regular highway runs to keep the DPF clean. If you don't strictly need a diesel, the 1.3 TCe is the best engine in the lineup for performance, while the 1.0 TCe ECO-G (LPG) is the ultimate choice for low running costs. Absolutely avoid the 1.2 TCe.

Common issues

Vanne EGR encrassée Medium
🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km
💶 300 – 700 €
Privilégier longs trajets réguliers pour éviter l'encrassement.
Filtre à Particules (FAP) encrassé High
🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km
💶 400 – 2 500 € (nettoyage à remplacement)
Effectuer des trajets autoroutiers fréquents pour une bonne régénération.
Défaillance du turbo High
🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km
💶 1 000 – 2 000 €
Respecter les temps de chauffe et de refroidissement, vidanges régulières.
Usure prématurée embrayage / volant moteur bi-masse High
🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km
💶 1 000 – 1 800 €
Vérifier l'historique de conduite et tester l'embrayage à l'achat.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change £80 – 150
Timing belt £550 – 900
Clutch £900 – 1 600
Complete brakes £300 – 550
Estimated annual budget £650 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.