2016 Dacia Duster: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Dacia Dusters, from 6,920 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Dacia Dusters than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Headlight aim3.1× usualDacia Duster6.8% All 2016 cars2.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £20–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.
- Number plate lights2.2× usualDacia Duster7% All 2016 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.9% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Coil springs1.7× usualDacia Duster7.1% All 2016 cars4.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usualDacia Duster4.1% All 2016 cars1.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Brake lights2× usualDacia Duster3.6% All 2016 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 1.1% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Dacia Duster MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes25% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics22% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension20% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints4% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10,606 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 8,714 | Tyres 26% |
| 2020 | 8,319 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 14,895 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 8,604 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 6,336 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 5,666 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 5,460 | Brakes 45% |
| 2013 | 5,913 | Brakes 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Dacia Dusters registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score