2011 Dacia Duster problems
The 2011 Dacia Duster was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the 1.4 and 1.6 16v and the 1.5 dCi. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 1.4 and 1.6 16v (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2011 cars, such as premature wear and cold slipping of the clutch (dCi engine).
.jpg){kind=link}
2011 Dacia Duster score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 12 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.7From 6.6 to 6.8 depending on the engine
- Gearbox7.91 fault
- Suspension8.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes7.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels8.91 fault
- Steering8.61 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights6.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.3 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment9.31 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.61 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2010 Dacia Duster
- Score: 6.1 → 6.9
- No longer affected by: wear and seizure of the big-end bearings (1.5 dCi), premature timing belt failure (1.5 dCi) and delphi high-pressure pump that sheds filings and damages the injection (1.5 dCi)
1.4 and 1.6 16v engine in the 2011 Dacia Duster
Names: 1.6 16V 105
- Buy
1.6 16V 105-110 hp Dacia, without variable valve timing unit (K4M, 2004-2020)
105–110 hp · K4M
It is the version with the fewest documented faults in the family: fiches-auto.fr describes it on the Dacia Duster as an "old but known" engine ("ancien mais connu"), without the oil consumption that does affect the brand's more modern turbo blocks, and with ignition coils in only 3-5% of testimonies compared with 20-50% for the European Renault versions.[1][2]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming belt breakage or premature failureThe K4J/K4M's timing belt is a dry type (not running in oil), but several sources document breakages before high mileage is reached, including one case in the Renault Laguna II with valve-to-piston contact. Sticking to the replacement interval is the best prevention.Appears at around 89,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlFaulty lambda sensors on the 1.6 16V (K4M)The 1.6 16V K4M (Mégane I, Scénic I, Dacia Duster I) has documented lambda sensors that occasionally fail and trigger the engine warning light. They are replaced without touching the engine and it is not a serious fault.
- Low severityFrequency: RareLubricationOil consumption (no documented pattern on this engine)Unlike many modern turbo engines, the sources consulted for the K4J/K4M do not describe a pattern of excessive oil consumption in any of the cars or versions covered by this page.
1.5 dCi engine in the 2011 Dacia Duster
Names: 1.5 dCi 85 · 1.5 dCi 90 · 1.5 dCi 110
- With caution
1.5 dCi Euro 5 with particulate filter (75, 90, 95 and 110 hp, 2010-2015)
75–110 hp · K9K 608, K9K 609, K9K 656, K9K 770, K9K 832, K9K 836, K9K 837, K9K 846, K9K 892, K9K 896
The 90 hp has an excellent record. On the 110 hp it is worth checking the turbo, the injectors and, on the first units with a DPF, the condition of the filter; on a 2010 Scénic III, check the belt change. Caradisiac considers the engine fully sorted from 2012.[4][6][7]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboPremature turbo failure and intake hoses that come looseThe turbo on the 105 and 110 hp 1.5 dCi can fail early: Caradisiac documents it on the Clio III, Scénic III and Qashqai II, sometimes before 80,000 km. More common and cheaper is for a turbo intake hose to come loose or burst and the engine to lose power.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalClutchPremature dual-mass flywheel failure and clutch problemsThe 105 and 110 hp 1.5 dCi engines can break the dual-mass flywheel early, sometimes before 40,000 km. It warns you with vibrations at idle and metallic noises, and forces you to replace the clutch and flywheel assembly.Repair (garage): €700–€1,300
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector and injector seal failuresThe 1.5 dCi injectors, or their seals, can fail early, especially on the 110 hp, causing rough running, jerking or hard starting. Replacing the affected injector is usually enough; Caradisiac still reports cases on the Kadjar and Duster II.
Faults outside the engine in the 2011 Dacia Duster
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonGearbox and clutchPremature wear and cold slipping of the clutch (dCi engine)On the Duster I with the 1.5 dCi diesel (85, 90 and 110 hp), Fiches-auto.fr and Caradisiac report numerous cases of a clutch that slips or judders when cold and wears out sooner than normal, some from as little as 4,500 km. Dealers do not always cover it outside warranty.Appears at around 4,500 km
- Low severityFrequency: CommonTyres and wheelsSteering wheel and wheel vibrations from 110 km/hFiches-auto.fr and Caradisiac report numerous complaints of steering wheel and wheel vibrations on the Duster I between 110 and 140 km/h, generally put down to wheel imbalance or tyres that wear unevenly.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareSteeringPower steering pump failureFiches-auto.fr records cases of the Duster I's power steering pump failing at around 40,000 km, generally covered by the warranty, and a more serious case where the battery, alternator and pump had to be replaced at the same time.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentABS/ESP and handbrake warning lights coming on for no reason, and an erratic fuel gaugeFiches-auto.fr records cases on the Duster I where the ABS, ESP and handbrake warning lights come on intermittently for no apparent reason, and others where the fuel gauge shows a wrong level, especially when stopping on a slope.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorFragile paint that chips from gravel strikesFiches-auto.fr and La Revue Automobile agree that the Duster I's paint is thin and chips fairly easily from gravel strikes, in one case down to bare metal from 19,500 km, and Dacia usually refuses warranty claims citing external damage.
Buying a 2011 Dacia Duster?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Dacia Duster reliable?
The 2011 Dacia Duster was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the 1.4 and 1.6 16v and the 1.5 dCi. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 1.4 and 1.6 16v (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2011 cars, such as premature wear and cold slipping of the clutch (dCi engine).
Is the 2011 Dacia Duster better than the 2010?
Our score goes from 6.1 in 2010 to 6.9 in 2011. No longer affected by: wear and seizure of the big-end bearings (1.5 dCi), premature timing belt failure (1.5 dCi) and delphi high-pressure pump that sheds filings and damages the injection (1.5 dCi).
What is the best year for the Dacia Duster?
According to our score, the best is 2017 (7.4/10). The year with the worst score is 2010 (6.1/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2011 Dacia Duster have?
The most important ones documented for 2011 cars are: timing belt breakage or premature failure (1.4 and 1.6 16v, high severity), premature turbo failure and intake hoses that come loose (1.5 dCi, high severity), crankshaft position sensor failure (1.4 and 1.6 16v, medium severity), premature dual-mass flywheel failure and clutch problems (1.5 dCi, medium severity) and injector and injector seal failures (1.5 dCi, medium severity).
Own a 2011 Dacia Duster? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Duster 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité : que vaut le Dacia Duster en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 18 January 2012 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité du 1.5 dCiFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 19 April 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Renault K-Type engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité : que vaut le Renault Scénic 3 en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 2 February 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité du Nissan Qashqai 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 22 December 2017 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French