In-depth reviews

Dacia Sandero - Reliability and safety

Dacia’s mixed performance in the most recent Driver Power survey and a two-star Euro NCAP rating for the Sandero can’t be overlooked

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Reliability and safety Rating

3.5 out of 5

Price
£13,775 to £14,775
Find your Dacia Sandero
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

Customer feedback from our Driver Power owner satisfaction survey has often resulted in Dacia being at the bottom of the manufacturer rankings and sadly it was the same story with the 2022 edition. It saw the Romanian brand finish in 27th place (out of 29) on our list of the best car manufacturers, ahead of only MG and Fiat. That said, while Sandero didn’t make it onto the list of best cars to own based on our 2023 Driver Power survey data, the Mk2 Dacia Duster managed to finish a very impressive 4th out of 75.

The Sandero sits on a version of Renault’s latest CMF platform which underpins the impressive fifth-generation Clio and is powered by engines from its French parent company, so it should also bode well for reliability.

With a stronger chassis and improved safety kit, it might be a surprise that the latest Sandero only scored two stars (out of five) when tested by industry experts Euro NCAP. The crash test body awarded decent marks for both adult and child occupant safety, with 70 and 72 per cent respectively, which would have led to a four-star overall rating. However, the organisation criticised the Sandero’s auto emergency braking system which isn’t able to detect cyclists and pedestrians to help avoid a potential collision, while a lack of a Lane Assist function and Active Bonnet technology also counted against it.

All Sanderos come with six airbags, an autonomous emergency braking system, Hill Start Assist, ABS and ESP stability control and a tyre pressure monitor. Moving up to Expression trim adds front fog lights, parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Warranty

Every Dacia is covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, with roadside assistance also included through this period. There is the option to extend cover for up to seven years at extra cost. 

Servicing

The manufacturer recommends annual service intervals or every 18,000 miles – whichever comes first. You can purchase a three-year/30,000-mile service plan for a fixed price of £599 or via monthly payments.

Have you considered?

Dacia Sandero review
Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe Expression - front tracking
In-depth reviews
14 Jun 2023

Dacia Sandero review

Skoda Fabia review
Skoda Fabia - front tracking
In-depth reviews
17 Apr 2023

Skoda Fabia review

Most Popular

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023
New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023