Dacia Duster MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 64,378 MOT tests on the Dacia Duster carried out in 2023. 26% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Dusters passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2013 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2021 models did best (89% passed, −2.2 points against the average for 2-year-old cars), while 2013 models fared worst (59%, −9.4 points). Tested cars had covered 46,823 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 12.7% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "projected beam image is obviously incorrect", on 3.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 64,378
- First-time pass rate
- 75%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +3.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 46,823
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Duster?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Duster MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 404 | 89% | 91% | −2.2 points | 21,666 |
| 2020 | 8,439 | 84% | 88% | −4.0 points | 22,758 |
| 2019 | 14,983 | 80% | 86% | −5.8 points | 29,348 |
| 2018 | 8,645 | 78% | 84% | −6.7 points | 37,995 |
| 2017 | 6,436 | 78% | 82% | −4.0 points | 45,808 |
| 2016 | 7,076 | 73% | 79% | −5.6 points | 56,819 |
| 2015 | 5,885 | 69% | 75% | −6.8 points | 65,505 |
| 2014 | 5,820 | 62% | 72% | −9.2 points | 73,057 |
| 2013 | 6,632 | 59% | 68% | −9.4 points | 80,636 |
Why the Dacia Duster fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Duster | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 12.7% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 5.0% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 4.8% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 3.6% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 1.6% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.4% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
- 2not working on dipped beam3.2%
- 3not working3.0%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
- 6too low2.3%
- 7provides insufficient washer liquid1.7%
- 8fractured or broken1.3%
- 9excessively corroded1.3%
- 10ball joint excessively worn1.2%
Common Duster MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Duster, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.9% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 5.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.8% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.0% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.6% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.5% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.3% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 1.9% |
Tips to help your Duster pass
Based on where Dusters most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 12.7% of Duster tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Visibility · 5.4% of Duster tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Brakes · 5.0% of Duster tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Duster ULEZ compliant? See the Dacia Duster ULEZ check, or view all Dacia models.
Other Dacia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 64,378 first MOT tests of the Dacia Duster carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 64,378 first MOT tests of the Dacia Duster.
What is the Dacia Duster MOT failure rate?
In our data, 26% of 64,378 first MOT attempts on the Dacia Duster ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Dacia Duster fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (12.7% of tests), visibility (5.4% of tests), brakes (5.0% of tests).
Which Duster year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2021 cars performed best: 89% passed first time, −2.2 points against the average for 2-year-old cars. The weakest was 2013, at 59% (−9.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Dacia Duster covered at its MOT?
The average was 46,823 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 21,666 miles and 2013 cars 80,636.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Dacia Duster?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.8% of Dusters failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Duster's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 64,378 Dusters in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 59% to 89% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any Duster's MOT history
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