Is the Dacia Duster reliable?
The Duster shouldn't present any major concerns from a reliability standpoint, and is regarded as a robust and dependale SUV that can easily fulfill any workhorse duties.
In the What Car? reliabilty survey, the go-anywhere Duster fininshed in the middle of the pack in the SUV class, with Romanian value brand finishing 13th out of 32 in the manufacturers survey.
Engine: Keep an eye out for the engine overheating in slow traffic: owners claim that a poor-quality cooling fan is to blame and its fuse blows as a result.
A clogged-up diesel particulate filter will send a diesel into limp-home mode. As with any car so equipped, regular use of fast roads is required to keep things flowing freely.
Brakes: Any unusual noises from the front as you go from a forward gear into reverse suggests that the front brake pads might be unseating themselves. Make sure you get the braking system inspected thoroughly if you have any concerns.
Gearbox: A jolt when shifting or a clunking noise could be worrying – or it might just mean the gearbox oil is low, so check before making any decisions.
Body: Indian-built first-year Dusters are quite prone to rust, with the doors, bonnet and boot hinges affected.
Check the footwells and around the windows for water leaks, as this is also a common issue on early cars. A poor bulkhead and leaking door seals are often the culprits.
