At a Glance
The Dacia Sandero has 21 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk2 (2012-2020) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 569K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Dacia Sandero common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Dacia Sandero generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Dacia Sandero Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Dacia Sandero MOT Failures
Every reason Dacia Sandero vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 9.35% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.06% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.91% |
| 4 | Brake pads or linings worn | 8.17% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 7.85% |
| 6 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 6.38% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 6.26% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.03% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.38% |
| 10 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.33% |
| 11 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 3.56% |
| 12 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 3.41% |
| 13 | Headlamp fault | 3.11% |
| 14 | Stop lamp not working | 2.19% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 1.65% |
| 16 | Driveshaft fault | 1.54% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.50% |
| 18 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.33% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.81% |
| 20 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.69% |
| 21 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.66% |
| 22 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.63% |
| 23 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.63% |
| 24 | Airbag warning light on | 0.59% |
| 25 | Exhaust system fault | 0.57% |
| 26 | Seat belt condition | 0.42% |
| 27 | Brake lever fault | 0.41% |
| 28 | Indicator fault | 0.35% |
| 29 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.27% |
| 30 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.26% |
| 31 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 32 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.25% |
| 33 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.25% |
| 34 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.23% |
| 35 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.20% |
| 36 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.20% |
| 37 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.19% |
| 38 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.18% |
| 39 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.17% |
| 40 | ABS fault | 0.16% |
| 41 | Driver seat fault | 0.16% |
| 42 | Engine oil leak | 0.16% |
| 43 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 44 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 45 | Steering rack fault | 0.10% |
| 46 | Brake pedal fault | 0.09% |
| 47 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.09% |
| 48 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.08% |
| 49 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 50 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.08% |
| 51 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.08% |
| 52 | Horn not working | 0.07% |
| 53 | Front lamp not working | 0.07% |
| 54 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.07% |
| 55 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 56 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 57 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 58 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 59 | Parking brake condition | 0.04% |
| 60 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 61 | Fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 62 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 63 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 64 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 65 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 66 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 67 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 68 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 69 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 71 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 72 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 74 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 75 | Brake caliper fault | 0.02% |
| 76 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 78 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.02% |
| 79 | Rear lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 80 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 81 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 82 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 86 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 87 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 90 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.01% |
| 91 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.01% |
| 92 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.01% |
| 93 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 95 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 96 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 98 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 102 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 103 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 105 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 107 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 108 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 113 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Rear suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Front suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 119 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 122 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 130 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
Showing all 143 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Dacia Sandero MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Dacia Sandero, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Dacia Sandero problems?
Based on analysis of 569K Dacia Sandero MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 21 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Dacia Sandero generation has the most problems?
The Dacia Sandero Mk2 (2012-2020) (2012–2020) has the highest number of identified common problems (23). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Dacia Sandero?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Dacia Sandero owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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