Used Dacia Duster 2018-present reliability

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.

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.

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 that example has issues with its filter, which could be expensive to fix if not covered under warranty.

There has only been the one recall so far. Check with your local dealer that any remedial work has been carried out.

There is a possible risk of the ignition switch not disengaging correctly after starting the vehicle resulting in the key jamming in the start position. In rare circumstances this may cause a thermal incident.

In the small SUV class, the Duster finished in 13th place out of 22 cars in our most recent reliability survey. However, it did so with a really good overall score of 95.2%. It finished above its rivals, the Ford Puma and the Volkswagen T-Roc, but below the Audi Q2 and the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Check out the full list of small SUVs here.

Dacia as a brand ranked a highly commendable 11th out of 32 manufacturers, finishing 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

Owners paint a picture of a generally reliable vehicle, with most owners reporting few issues within the first few years of ownership. However, there were mentions of electrical faults, particularly with the dashboard and lighting systems, especially in older models.

When it came to dealing with the dealership, opinions were mixed. Some readers praised their dealers for quick and cost-effective repairs, highlighting excellent customer service. Others, however, reported frustrations with slow service and a lack of communication regarding repair status and costs. The dealer network's responsiveness and quality of service appeared to vary significantly by location.

Overall, while the Dacia Duster is seen as a reliable choice, the dealer service experience can greatly affect owner satisfaction. Many chose to go the independent route when it came to servicing and looking after their older Duster.