2013-2020 · 0.9L H4B 3-cylinder turbo petrol (90 hp)
Budget-friendly family estate with spacious interior and low running costs. Built on proven Renault platform with parts shared across Sandero and Clio. The 0.9 TCe engine is efficient but has known timing chain and turbo actuator issues, typically appearing after 60,000-100,000 km. Short-trip city driving accelerates wear. Cold-start rattle is the key warning sign. Manual gearbox is robust, but avoid the optional Easy-R automated manual. Very cheap to maintain when things don't break, but engine repairs can be expensive. Verify camshaft adjuster recall completed on 2013-2014 models.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€600 - €1,100/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€350-550
Risk buffer
€250-550
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Timing chain tensioner failure€800 - €1,400
Chain stretches from oil starvation, causes cold-start rattle lasting 1-30 seconds · more· less
The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This results in a distinctive rattling noise on cold start, typically appearing between 60,000-100,000 km. If ignored, the chain can skip teeth causing catastrophic valve/piston contact. The root cause is often a clogged oil jet that lubricates the timing chain - short trips and infrequent oil changes accelerate the problem. Replacement requires chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets, and often VVT adjustment wheel. Independent garage cost €800-1,000, dealer €1,200-1,400. The chain was marketed as "lifetime" but this is clearly not the case.
Turbo actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Actuator sticks from carbon buildup, causes limp mode and EPC warning light · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator sticks if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include sudden loss of power, EPC warning light, and limp mode activation. Renault will not sell the actuator separately - they insist on complete turbo replacement. Specialist-only actuator repair costs €500-600, but if turbo internals are also damaged, full replacement runs €1,200-2,500. Preventive measure: regular spirited driving (occasional use of upper rev range) and premium fuel help keep actuator moving freely. More common on cars used exclusively for city driving.
Thermostat housing leak€100 - €250
Plastic housing warps and cracks, causing coolant loss · more· less
This is a well-known issue on the 0.9 TCe engine. Renault uses plastic for the thermostat housing instead of the traditional cast aluminum, and it's prone to warping and leaking. Symptoms include coolant level dropping gradually, visible coolant around the thermostat housing, or coolant warning light. The older aluminum housings would last longer than the engine, but plastic ones typically fail between 50,000-100,000 km. Replacement part costs €20-70 depending on OEM vs aftermarket. Labor is 1-2 hours (€80-180 total at independent garage). The job is fiddly and requires draining coolant. Check coolant level regularly on these engines.
Ignition coil pack failure€150 - €350
Individual coils fail causing misfires, rough idle, shuddering around 1200 rpm · more· less
The 0.9 TCe uses individual coil-on-plug ignition, and these engines are known to be hard on coils and spark plugs. Common symptoms include rough idling when cold, engine shuddering at around 1200 rpm, hesitation under load, and fault codes for specific cylinder misfires (typically cylinders 1 and 3). Diagnosis: swap suspected coil to different cylinder and see if fault code follows. Spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 km (36,000 miles) - NGK iridium plugs are OEM spec. Single coil pack costs €40-70, full set of 3 is €120-200 plus labor (€50-150). Often coil failure is accompanied by worn spark plugs, so replace both together.
Bolts work loose on adjuster pulley, can cause timing failure and engine damage · more· less
This is a recall issue affecting Logan MCV built between December 2013 and December 2014. The bolts holding the camshaft adjuster can work loose, causing the pulley to break. If this happens while driving, it can cause timing failure leading to serious valve/piston damage. Factory recall should have been completed free of charge. Before purchasing any 2013-2014 model, verify with Dacia dealer using VIN that this recall has been completed. If the pulley breaks and causes engine damage (worst case), repair can cost €3,000-4,000 for complete engine rebuild or replacement.
Brake pads and discs premature wear€200 - €400
Some owners report needing brake replacement more frequently than expected · more· less
Multiple owner reviews mention brake pads and discs needing replacement more frequently than expected, particularly on the front axle. This may be related to driving style or brake caliper sticking. Front pads and discs replacement: €175-290 (parts €100-150, labor €75-140). Rear brakes: €150-250. Budget brake pads start from €26 per axle, premium brands €40-70. Discs €30-60 each. If replacing frequently, check for sticking caliper sliders - cleaning and lubricating caliper slide pins can extend brake life significantly. Independent garage is fine for this work, no need for dealer.
Intermittent difficulty engaging gears, especially when cold or at idle · more· less
Some owners report intermittent difficulty selecting any gear, particularly when stopped or at idle. This can happen multiple times in one journey. The issue is relatively rare but frustrating. Possible causes: clutch not disengaging fully (clutch adjustment or replacement needed, €400-800), low/contaminated gearbox oil (oil change €80-120), worn gear selector mechanism (€200-400), or internal gearbox wear (expensive, €1,000-1,500 for replacement gearbox). Start with checking gearbox oil level and condition, then clutch adjustment. The 5-speed manual (JH3 or BVM5) is generally robust - most issues are clutch-related rather than gearbox internal failures.
Shock absorbers and suspension bushings wear at typical intervals · more· less
This is normal wear rather than a defect. Front shock absorbers typically need replacement around 80,000-120,000 km depending on road conditions. Symptoms include excessive bouncing, poor handling, oil leaking from shock body. Front shocks €55-90 each (budget to OEM), labor €100-150 for the pair. Suspension bushings (control arm, anti-roll bar) typically wear around similar mileage - clunking over bumps is the symptom. Control arm bushings €30-70, anti-roll bar bushings €15-30, labor €80-150. Brands like Sachs, Bilstein, and Monroe are good quality. Independent garage is fine for suspension work.
Budget car with budget car issues - most predictable and preventable
The Logan MCV earned Dacia second place in reliability surveys, and many owners report trouble-free motoring. When problems occur, they're well-documented and parts are cheap. The critical watch points are timing chain (listen for cold-start rattle) and turbo actuator (avoid short-trip-only cars). Most issues stem from deferred maintenance or inappropriate use (city-only driving). Highway-driven examples with full service history are significantly more reliable.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 12 months or 15,000 km maximum. Cars with yearly oil changes are much more reliable.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm recommended), age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Size is typically 185/65 R15.
Cold start
CRITICAL: Must start engine completely cold (overnight cold). Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust (wheel arches, door sills), accident damage, panel gaps. Paint is thin on these cars.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Engine must reach full operating temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold-start timing chain rattle
THE most important check. Start engine completely cold, listen for rattling/chattering noise in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates chain/tensioner wear. Walk away if present.
Check for EPC warning light and power loss
During test drive, accelerate firmly several times. Watch for EPC light or sudden power loss - indicates turbo actuator issues. Engine should pull smoothly through rev range.
Coolant level and condition
Check coolant reservoir - should be between min/max when cold. Look for white/milky appearance (head gasket) or low level (thermostat housing leak). Check around thermostat housing for wetness.
Verify camshaft adjuster recall (2013-2014 models)
For December 2013 - December 2014 production cars, contact Dacia dealer with VIN to confirm recall completed. Critical safety issue.
Check for rough idle and misfires
Engine should idle smoothly around 800-900 rpm when warm. Shaking/shuddering at 1200 rpm indicates coil pack or spark plug issues. Start cold and monitor idle quality as it warms.
Service history and oil change intervals
Verify oil changes at least yearly or every 15,000 km. Cars with 2-year service intervals are high risk for timing chain failure. Ask about driving pattern - highway miles are much better than city-only.
Manual gearbox operation
Try all gears when stopped and when moving. Clutch should engage smoothly. Difficulty selecting gears may indicate clutch or linkage issues. Some owners report intermittent gear selection problems.
Listen for suspension knocks
Drive over speed bumps slowly - listen for knocking from suspension bushings or shock absorbers. Check shock absorbers for oil leaks.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Camshaft adjuster bolts (Dec 2013 - Dec 2014)Verify completed
Fuel hose rubbing (Feb 2013 - Jun 2015)Check with dealer
Driver's airbag deployment faultVerify completed
Wrong brake plate fitted (May-Jun 2020)2020 models only
Ignition switch jamming (Sep 2017 - Oct 2018)Check with dealer
Steering column bracket (Sep 2017 - Feb 2018)Check with dealer
Contact Dacia dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls completed. The camshaft adjuster recall (2013-2014) is particularly critical. The fuel hose recall affected 2,291 vehicles on the Irish market - verify completion to avoid fire risk.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 60,000 miles)Expired on all 2013-2020 models
Original paintwork warranty (2 years)Expired
Anti-corrosion cover (6 years)Check manufacturing date
All Logan MCV models from 2013-2020 are outside their original factory warranty. Some cars sold with extended 5-year warranty (up to 60,000 miles) as part of finance packages - check documentation. Third-party extended warranties are available from specialists, typically €300-500 per year, but often exclude common issues like timing chain and turbo problems. As of 2025, Dacia brand has 81% reliability score, ranking second out of 30 manufacturers in surveys.
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.