Dacia Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Dacia? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Dacia reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 79.5% (+15.5 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 6 Dacia models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 1.74% and the average retest rate is 13.7%. Dacia clusters around the UK first-time MOT pass average. Reliability varies more by model than brand here — see the model breakdown below before buying.

Dacia first-time MOT pass rate

79.5%

Implied failure rate: 20.5% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+15.5 pp

Dangerous defects

1.74%

Retest rate

13.7%

How Dacia compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Dacia’s pass rate of 79.5% is 15.5 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Dacia models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Dacia pass rate79.5%

UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Dacia models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

Dacia Spring

2021–present · sample ≈3k

87.5%

Dacia Jogger

2022–present · sample ≈5k

83.5%

Dacia Duster

2012–present · sample ≈28k

79.8%

Most problematic Dacia models

The Dacia models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

Dacia Logan

2013–present · sample ≈8k

77.2%

Dacia Sandero

2013–present · sample ≈25k

78.5%

Dacia Sandero Stepway

2013–present · sample ≈18k

79.2%

Run a free MOT check on a specific Dacia

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Dacia

Aggregated across 6 Dacia models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

15.9%

Suspension

14.1%

Brakes

12.1%

Tyres

10.5%

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Dacia reliability — FAQ

Is Dacia a reliable car brand in the UK?

Dacia's first-time MOT pass rate of 79.5% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the average band of brands for MOT reliability. We track 6 Dacia models in our dataset.

What is the most reliable Dacia model for MOT?

Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Dacia models in our dataset are: Dacia Spring (87.5%), Dacia Jogger (83.5%), Dacia Duster (79.8%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.

Which Dacia models fail their MOT most often?

In our dataset, the Dacia models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Dacia Logan (77.2%), Dacia Sandero (78.5%), Dacia Sandero Stepway (79.2%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Dacia?

Aggregated across Dacia models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (15.9%), suspension (14.1%), brakes (12.1%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Dacia’s MOT history

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Free MOT check

Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 6 Dacia models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.