Common problems by part
Dacia Sandero steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 57,368 MOT tests · Updated
At 8 years, 1.4 in 100 MOT tests of the Dacia Sandero failed on steering, against 1.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 57,368 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 828 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 10 ages from 3 to 12 years, 415,804 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Steering track rod end: ball joint play, 1.1 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
1.4 fails per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.2 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 8 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Dacia Sandero steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 43,599 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 42,804 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 49,541 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 54,944 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 57,193 | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| 8 | 57,368 | 1.4 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 49,638 | 2.3 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 34,395 | 3.2 | 2.1 |
| 11 | 19,447 | 3.8 | 2.5 |
| 12 | 6,875 | 3.3 | 2.8 |
All first-use years of the Dacia Sandero pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 8 years
Fails
- Steering track rod end: ball joint play: 1.1 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.7. Replace track rod end: estimated £54–£128 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £15–£50) Track rod end ball joint has excessive play MOT fail
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Dacia Sandero? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
By engine and fuel
- 0.9 petrol: 1.4 per 100 at 8 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 25,551 MOT tests)
- 1.5 diesel: 2.0 per 100 at 8 years, fails 1.5–1.8× as often as diesel class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 18,164 MOT tests)
- 1.0 petrol: 0.5 per 100 at 8 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 3,251 MOT tests)
- 1.1 petrol: 0.8 per 100 at 8 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 10,224 MOT tests)
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Check one Dacia Sandero, not the average
The figures here describe Dacia Sandero cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Dacia Sandero's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Dacia Sandero problems
- Dacia Sandero suspension problems
- Dacia Sandero brakes problems
- Dacia Sandero lights and electrics problems
- Dacia Sandero body and structure problems
- Dacia Sandero exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Dacia Sandero windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Dacia Sandero tyres problems
- Dacia Sandero road wheels problems
Steering on rival models
- Ford Fiesta steering problems: 2.6 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.4 for the Dacia Sandero (459,355 MOT tests)
- Vauxhall Corsa steering problems: 7.9 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.4 for the Dacia Sandero (295,833 MOT tests)
- Renault Clio steering problems: 0.9 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.4 for the Dacia Sandero (93,733 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Dacia Sandero have more steering problems than other cars?
1.4 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 57,368 MOT tests).
How common are Dacia Sandero steering problems?
1.4 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years failed on steering, against 1.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 57,368 MOT tests).
What is the most common Dacia Sandero steering fail?
1.1 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years: Steering track rod end: ball joint play (624 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 415,804 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare