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Dacia Duster Mk1 (2012-2017) reliability

At a glance

Dacia Duster Mk1 built around 2017: fails its MOT more often than average

Dacia Duster Mk1 models built around 2017 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Dacia Duster Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

24% of MOT tests on Dacia Duster Mk1 models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Dacia Duster Mk1 models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

Dacia Duster Mk1
poor reliability2012-2017SUVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 41,111 tests of Duster models registered 2012-2017.

About 1 in 25 Duster Mk1 MOTs (4.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 8,932 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Duster Mk1 MOTs (4.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 8,932 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,81022.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
8,93224.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
8,67427.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
7,89229.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,17730.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
4,62631.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 12 years old.

How the Duster Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the Duster Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 32,173 tests across 3 Dacia models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateDacia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,81022.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
8,93224.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
8,67427.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
7,89229.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,17730.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
4,62631.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Duster Mk1.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.4%, against 24.4% for the Dacia Duster Mk1, both built around 2017.

    1,993 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    2.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 10.0%, against 24.4% for the Dacia Duster Mk1, both built around 2017.

    3,954 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Audi Q2

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    4.2%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 24.4% for the Dacia Duster Mk1, both built around 2017.

    8,265 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    2.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 24.4% for the Dacia Duster Mk1, both built around 2017.

    5,741 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

90%of all Dacia Duster cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

5 recalls in all

2 of the 5 Duster Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Incorrect wiring in horn system can cause one or more safety faults
  • Risk of the key jamming in the start position causing potential damge to the starter motor.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Duster Mk1 cars have aged

How Duster Mk1 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%4681012Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (5,481 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (5,362 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (5,423 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (5,475 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (5,416 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (5,738 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (5,787 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (5,728 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (5,751 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (5,670 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (5,139 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (5,132 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (5,007 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (4,951 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (4,803 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (5,108 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (5,069 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (4,938 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (4,707 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (4,474 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (5,737 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (5,547 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (5,366 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (4,960 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (4,612 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
Mk1 variants compared

Duster Mk1 variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each Duster Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • DUSTER24.7%6,561 tests

Petrol

  • DUSTER23.5%2,371 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Dacia Dusters of this age

This list covers every Dacia Duster built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.7%
    Advisory: 2,151Fail: 215 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.6%
    Advisory: 1,751Fail: 137 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.1%
    Advisory: 1,233Fail: 27 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    6.0%
    Advisory: 139Fail: 510 (79% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    5.6%
    Advisory: 485Fail: 84 (15% of the times it was found)

Based on 8,932 tests

Looking at a Dacia Duster Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Dacia Duster Mk1 (2012-2017) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 8,932 8-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 41,111 MOT tests on Dacia Dusters first registered between 2012-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.