Europe's cheapest electric vehicle, purpose-built for urban commuting and budget-conscious buyers. Based on Renault's China-market platform. The Spring is mechanically simple with minimal complexity, but corners are cut everywhere to achieve the low price - hard plastics, basic safety features (1-star Euro NCAP rating), and limited range. Main technical concerns: 12V auxiliary battery drain, heating/climate control faults, suspension wear, and infotainment glitches. Battery degradation is accelerated if you frequently DC fast charge. Real-world range in winter can drop to 65 miles. Best suited as a second car or city runabout where low running costs matter more than refinement or safety ratings.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€450 - €800/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€250-450
Risk buffer
€200-350
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
12V auxiliary battery drain€70 - €150
Battery drains 2% or more daily when parked, leaves car unable to start · more· less
The Dacia Spring has high parasitic drain from electrical systems, causing the 12V auxiliary battery to discharge within days if not driven regularly. Some owners report losing up to 80% charge in a week when the vehicle sits unused. This is not always a battery defect - the car's systems draw excessive current when parked. Symptoms include complete failure to start and electronics not powering on. The issue is worse in cold weather. Solution: replace weak 12V battery (€70-150) or use a trickle charger if the car sits for more than 3-4 days. Some cases require diagnosis of faulty brake vacuum pump or other electrical consumers staying active. Not covered by warranty if battery tests within normal parameters.
Heating and climate control faults€250 - €900
Heating system fails in winter, AC weak or noisy, dealers often lack quick fixes · more· less
Climate control issues are among the most common Spring complaints. Heating system malfunctions particularly during cold months, with many dealers unable to provide quick solutions. Air conditioning faults include weak cooling, noisy operation, or complete failure. For other Dacia models, climate control unit replacement costs approximately €880, though Spring-specific pricing may vary. These issues significantly impact comfort, especially in winter when cabin heating is essential and the small battery means heating drastically reduces range. Manual air conditioning is standard on all Spring models. Warranty coverage varies - electrical faults usually covered but refrigerant recharge or wear items may not be.
Suspension component wear€200 - €800
Premature shock absorber wear, knocking sounds over bumps, particularly front suspension · more· less
The Spring's basic suspension shows early wear, with defective shock absorbers reported even at low mileage. Knocking or clunking sounds when driving over bumps or rough roads indicate worn dampers or bushings. The stiff suspension setup and budget components contribute to accelerated wear. Shock absorber replacement costs vary but typically €200-400 per axle for parts plus labor. Given the Spring's budget nature, aftermarket parts may offer better value than OEM. Suspension bushings and mounting hardware should also be inspected when replacing dampers. The basic suspension design means parts are relatively accessible, keeping labor costs reasonable compared to more complex vehicles.
Infotainment and electrical glitches€100 - €800
Unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth failures, warning lights, electrical errors · more· less
The Spring suffers from various electrical gremlins including infotainment system failures with unresponsive displays, faulty rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and spurious warning lights. Navigation system errors and control device malfunctions are reported. Many electrical issues are software-related and can be resolved with updates or module resets at dealers. Hardware failures like touchscreen replacement would be expensive but are less common. High-voltage system errors have been reported, sometimes linked to weak 12V battery or faulty cells in the main battery pack. Some dealers lack experience with these issues. Document all electrical faults and push for warranty coverage while applicable.
Battery degradation (faster than expected)€4,000 - €13,000
Old ternary lithium-ion chemistry degrades rapidly with frequent DC fast charging · more· less
Early Spring models (2021-2024) use ternary lithium-ion chemistry with low resistance to extreme temperatures and prone to rapid degradation with intensive fast-charging use. This is why DC fast charging is limited to only 30 kW. 2025+ models switched to LFP (lithium iron phosphate) with better longevity. For pre-2025 cars, avoid frequent DC fast charging and extreme temperature exposure to minimize degradation. One owner driving 20,000+ km over two years with mostly home charging expects to exceed the 75% health warranty threshold. Battery replacement cost ranges from €4,000 (aftermarket) to €8,000-13,000 (OEM). Battery warranty is 8 years/120,000 km with 75% minimum capacity guarantee. Real-world degradation varies widely based on charging habits and climate.
Inverter or motor failure€1,500 - €4,000
High-voltage system errors, loss of power, "electric motor failure" warning · more· less
Rare but serious issue where the inverter (converts battery DC to motor AC) fails, causing high-voltage system errors and loss of power. Symptoms include "Stop: Electric Motor Failure" warning, car won't start, or sudden power drops while driving. Defective inverter or faulty battery cells can trigger these errors. Some cases require replacing the entire motor-inverter assembly as the DC/DC converter is not designed as a replaceable module. Related Renault electric vehicles have experienced similar failures. Most cases are covered under warranty. If out of warranty, diagnosis is critical - don't assume it's the motor when it could be inverter, 12V battery, or main battery cell issue. Always get second opinion before authorizing expensive repairs.
Paint and underbody corrosion€300 - €1,500
Thin paintwork and minimal underbody protection leads to scratches and early rust · more· less
The Spring has thinner paintwork and minimal underbody protection compared to more expensive vehicles, making it prone to stone chips, scratches, and early rust formation. This is a cost-cutting measure. Particularly vulnerable areas include lower door edges, wheel arches, and underbody panels. In regions with salted winter roads or coastal areas, corrosion can appear within 2-3 years. Preventive measures: apply underbody coating (€200-400), paint protection film on vulnerable areas, and wash regularly in winter. Rust repair costs depend on severity - minor touch-ups €100-300, but significant panel repair can exceed €1,000. Not covered by warranty unless manufacturing defect can be proven. Regular inspection and early treatment essential.
Steering system knocking€150 - €500
Knocking sound during turns, particularly when starting from stop · more· less
Some owners report knocking sounds during turns, especially when starting from a stop position. This indicates problems with the steering system components (rack bushings, tie rod ends) or CV joint/driveshaft issues. The basic steering setup in the Spring uses cost-optimized components that may wear prematurely. Diagnosis requires test drive and inspection on a lift. Common causes: worn steering rack bushings (€150-250 parts + labor), CV joints (€200-400 per side), or suspension ball joints (€100-200 each). These are wear items not typically covered by warranty after first year. Address promptly as worn steering components are safety-critical and will worsen over time.
Budget EV with budget problems
The Dacia Spring achieves its remarkably low price through extensive cost-cutting, which shows in reliability. Electrical issues, suspension wear, and climate control faults are common. However, the mechanically simple electric drivetrain means fewer catastrophic failures than complex combustion engines. Main battery is generally reliable if you avoid aggressive DC fast charging. Most issues are nuisances rather than showstoppers. Best approached as an affordable urban runabout with low expectations rather than a long-term investment.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Dacia dealer records essential. EVs need less servicing but records prove proper care.
12V battery voltage test
Test 12V auxiliary battery voltage with multimeter - should be 12.6V+ when fully charged. Critical check.
Body condition
Check for stone chips, scratches, rust especially on wheel arches and lower panels. Paint is thin.
Test drive minimum 30 minutes
Test heating, AC, all electrical systems thoroughly. Check suspension over rough roads.
Specific for this vehicle
Test 12V battery after car sits overnight
Ask seller not to charge car night before viewing. Try to start after 12+ hours parked. Spring has notorious parasitic drain.
Full electrical system check
Test infotainment, Bluetooth, navigation, rearview camera, all warning lights. Connect phone to test connectivity.
Climate control test
Run heating on full for 10+ minutes, then AC. Listen for unusual noises. Check airflow strength.
Suspension and steering inspection
Drive over speed bumps slowly - listen for knocking. Turn wheel full lock both directions while moving slowly.
Battery state of health check
Request battery health report from Dacia dealer or use OBD dongle. Should be 90%+ on recent cars, 80%+ on 2021-2022.
Underbody inspection
Get car on lift to check for rust, damage to battery enclosure, worn suspension bushings.
Charging test
Test home charging (AC) and if possible DC fast charging. Verify charging speeds match specifications.
Interior wear assessment
Check hard plastics for cracks, door pocket linings for staining (white plastics stain easily).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Charger issues (2022 production July-Oct)1,730 vehicles recalled
Rear right seat belt retractor (2022 Apr-Oct)Malfunction risk
Contact Dacia dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. 2022 model year had most recalls. Check manufacturer website for updates as new bulletins may be issued.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (vehicle)3 years / 60,000 km
Battery warranty8 years / 120,000 km (75% capacity)
Warranty coverage varies by marketUK: 8 years/75,000 miles battery
Battery warranty covers degradation below 75% state of health within 8 years/120,000 km (or 75,000 miles in UK). Standard vehicle warranty is 3 years. Extended warranty available through Dacia dealers but may exclude common issues like oil leaks, wear items. Read terms carefully before purchasing used car outside warranty period.
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.