Dacia's largest model yet, the Bigster is a C-segment SUV built on the CMF-B platform shared with the Sandero and Duster Mk3. The TCe 130 is the only variant available with all-wheel drive, pairing a new-generation 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine with a 48V mild hybrid system and a six-speed manual gearbox. ADAC rates it the most economical SUV in its class, with running costs closer to a supermini than a mid-size crossover.· more· less
Lowest running costs in classOnly 4x4 variant in the range
Unproven new engine, no track recordBasic interior for its size
Buy if: You want a large, affordable SUV with optional all-wheel drive and can accept that the new 1.2 TCe engine has no long-term reliability data yet.
Avoid if: You want a refined automatic transmission or need a proven powertrain with years of owner feedback behind it.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€30,000
median asking price, typically 5,000 km
Typical range€28,800 – €30,900
Maintenance cost
€550 – €1,150/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€350 – €650 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€200 – €500 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
The 1.2 TCe Miller cycle engine is entirely new and has no multi-year owner feedback yet · more· less
The 1.2 TCe engine in the Bigster is a new-generation unit based on the Miller cycle, not to be confused with the older 1.2 TCe H5Ft (which had serious oil consumption and timing chain defects). This is a clean-sheet design with 48V mild hybrid integration, and no catastrophic failure patterns have emerged in the first year of production. However, the engine has not yet accumulated enough mileage across the fleet to reveal potential long-term weak points. Early reports from the Duster Mk3 (which shares this engine) are positive, with owners reporting smooth operation and fuel consumption around 6 L/100 km. The main concern is simply the unknown. Previous Dacia/Renault three-cylinder engines (1.0 TCe) have been generally reliable, but each new design brings its own risks. Monitoring oil level and quality, and following the service schedule strictly, is especially important during the first years of a new engine's life.
48V mild hybrid battery or BSG failure
€400 - 1,2002 of 6
The belt-driven starter-generator and small lithium battery are new components with limited field data · more· less
The 48V mild hybrid system uses a small 0.48 kWh lithium battery under the front seat and a belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) that assists during acceleration and handles start-stop functionality. Dacia covers the hybrid battery for 8 years / 100,000 km. The BSG belt is an additional wear item compared to a conventional engine. While 48V mild hybrid systems are used widely across the industry and are generally reliable, Dacia's specific implementation is new. Some owners of the Duster Mk3 have reported occasional software-related warnings (electrical system fault messages) that resolved with a dealer software update. No hardware failures of the BSG or 48V battery have been widely reported. Replacement cost for the BSG unit, if needed outside warranty, is estimated at €600-1,200 including labour.
Infotainment software glitches
€0 - 2003 of 6
Screen freezes and MyDacia app connectivity issues reported by early owners · more· less
Early Bigster and Duster Mk3 owners report infotainment system freezes, slow response times, and connectivity problems with the MyDacia smartphone app. These are software issues, not hardware failures, and Dacia has been issuing over-the-air and dealer-applied software updates to address them. A manual system reset (holding the power button for 10 seconds) often resolves temporary freezes. The MyDacia app has been particularly problematic for some owners, with reports of it failing to connect since delivery. While annoying, these issues do not affect the car's driveability or safety. Most should be resolved under warranty via software updates at no cost.
Turbo wastegate actuator sticking
€400 - 1,5004 of 6
Carbon buildup can cause the wastegate to stick, particularly with gentle driving habits · more· less
Three-cylinder turbo engines in the Renault/Dacia family have shown some susceptibility to wastegate actuator sticking when driven very gently or only on short trips. Carbon deposits build up and prevent the actuator from moving freely. Symptoms include an EPC warning light and reduced power (limp mode). This is not yet widely reported on the new 1.2 TCe, but has been documented on the older 1.0 TCe and is a known characteristic of small turbo engines. Regular spirited driving (allowing the turbo to reach full boost occasionally) helps prevent carbon buildup. If the actuator fails, Dacia does not sell it separately from the turbo assembly, making a full turbo replacement necessary in worst cases (€1,200-1,500). An independent specialist may be able to clean or replace the actuator alone for €400-600.
Manual gearbox notchy shifting
€0 - 8005 of 6
Some owners report stiff or notchy gear changes, especially when cold · more· less
Dacia's six-speed manual gearbox has been described as notchy by several reviewers and owners. The shift action improves as the car warms up, suggesting the gearbox oil viscosity plays a role. On the Jogger with its 1.0 TCe, Dacia issued service campaign 0EB3 to address software-related shifting problems (engine torque being too high for the gearbox). Whether the Bigster's 1.2 TCe will need a similar calibration remains to be seen. The notchy feel is typically a comfort annoyance rather than a mechanical defect. If the issue worsens, a gearbox oil change (often not on the standard service schedule) can improve shift quality. A synchroniser replacement, if ever needed, would cost €500-800 at an independent shop.
Adaptive cruise control false braking
€06 of 6
Radar sensor occasionally reacts to parked cars in urban traffic · more· less
Some Bigster owners report the adaptive cruise control braking unnecessarily when passing parked vehicles in urban settings. This is a sensor calibration issue rather than a mechanical fault, and Dacia may address it through future software updates. It does not affect the car's reliability or cause any repair costs, but it can be startling in traffic. Cleaning the front radar sensor regularly helps maintain accuracy.
Too new for certainty, but fundamentally simple
The Bigster TCe 130 has only been on sale since early 2025, so no multi-year reliability data exists yet. The new 1.2 TCe Miller cycle engine is a clean-sheet design with no connection to the problematic older 1.2 TCe H5Ft. Early owner reports from both the Bigster and the Duster Mk3 (which shares this engine) are predominantly positive, with software glitches being the most common complaint. Dacia's simple engineering philosophy and cheap parts keep potential repair costs low even if issues emerge. The 3-year / 100,000 km factory warranty provides a safety net for early buyers.
Service history
As a new model, verify all scheduled services were performed at a Dacia dealer. This is important for warranty coverage.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and that all four tires are identical specification. Mismatched tires can damage the AWD system.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual rattling, knocking, or rough idle in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check gear shifts improve as the car warms up.
Specific for this vehicle
Check infotainment system responsiveness
Navigate through menus, test Bluetooth pairing, and verify the MyDacia app connects. Ask if any software updates have been applied.
Test all AWD modes (if 4x4 variant)
Cycle through the five Terrain Control modes (Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road, Eco). Verify the system indicator responds and no warning lights appear.
Monitor engine warning lights during test drive
Watch for EPC, engine, or hybrid system warning lights. Some early cars showed false electrical warnings that needed software updates.
+ 2 more checksShow less
Check adaptive cruise control behaviour
Test in an urban setting. If the system brakes harshly for parked cars, ask the dealer whether a software update is available.
Verify software version is current
Ask the dealer to confirm all available software updates have been applied. Early production cars may have outdated calibration.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
No recalls issued as of February 2026Not applicable
The Dacia Bigster has been on sale since early 2025 and no safety recalls have been issued as of February 2026. Contact Dacia with the VIN to verify the latest status, particularly as the model matures.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Most used Bigsters still covered
48V hybrid battery warranty8 years / 100,000 km
Anti-corrosion warranty6 years, no mileage limit
Paint warranty2 years
Most used Dacia Bigsters are still within the 3-year / 100,000 km factory warranty as of 2026. The extended Zen warranty (up to 7 years / 120,000 km) requires annual servicing at a Dacia dealer. Verify warranty transfer conditions with Dacia before purchase.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
