Constant problems with Dacia Duster bought from new

helenam5

We have had our car from new for 3 and a half years. It has done 22,000 miles and after a recent diagnostics test due to the warning lights coming on we have been informed it needs a new engine. We have a full service history with the dealership we bought it with cash from. Additionally last September we had to have the turbo replaced and we are constantly having to top up the coolant. Can this be right and can anyone please advise us on what our consumer rights are?

Emmia

That sounds like you do only an average  amount of mileage, what type of trips do you normally make? Short runs, stop/start journeys? Motorway driving? How often do you use the car?

Grumpy_chap

helenam5 said:

We have had our car from new for 3 and a half years. It has done 22,000 miles and after a recent diagnostics test due to the warning lights coming on we have been informed it needs a new engine. We have a full service history with the dealership we bought it with cash from. Additionally last September we had to have the turbo replaced and we are constantly having to top up the coolant. Can this be right and can anyone please advise us on what our consumer rights are?

That sounds unusual.
Is it diesel or petrol?
Has the car been serviced in accordance with the Dacia recommendations?
What is the warranty on a new Dacia? (as at the time of purchase)

Alderbank

Your rights after 3+ years are for the dealer to repair, replace (with similar) or partially refund if they agree that the failure is due to an intrinsic fault within the engine which was there when you bought it.

If they don't agree then the onus is on you to prove that the fault has been there all along. Usually that would have to be be by an independent investigation of the engine.

Engine failure after about 40 months and 20,000 miles does not sound like ordinary wear and tear.
Go back to the dealer and see what they say.
Once the cause of failure is identified they will discuss the issue with Renault, often in cases of premature failure the manufacturer agrees with the dealer to cover part or all of the costs but that is not your concern.

Your rights are with the dealership you bought it from.

TELLIT01

Check forums to see if anybody else has had similar problems.  A few years ago there were problems with the 1.2 petrol engine built by Renault and used in a variety of cars.  Despite literally thousands of cars being affected Renault have so far refused to accept that there was a problem with the engine.  I believe Renault provide the Dacia engines.

helenam5

It’s petrol, fully serviced with dealership and just out of 3 year warranty period and yes has a Renault engine.