Petrol · 2012–2020
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Dacia Sandero 2All about the 1.2 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F) engine
The 1.1 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F) engine was fitted to the Dacia Sandero 2 (2012–2020). In the EU that is 11.8 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.1 75 hp, 1.1 73 hp, 1.1.
The most expensive known risk is front suspension: arms, anti-roll bar bushes, strut mounts, dampers: it usually appears at 30,000–180,000 km and costs €100–450 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Misfire, jerking under load, flashing engine light, codes P0300-P0304
Fix: Find the cylinder by swapping coils; replace the faulty coil and check the plugs (many workshops replace all coils, as they are the same age)
Signs: Knocking or creaking from the front over bumps or when steering; play or leaking dampers found at inspection.
Fix: Replace the worn lower arm, anti-roll bar bushes/links or strut top mounts; dampers in pairs; then align.
Signs: Possible steering defect from a manufacturing fault in the rack; may be no warning before failure.
Fix: Check by VIN that both axial tie rods were replaced free under the recall.
Signs: No symptoms; the driver airbag may not work correctly in a crash.
Fix: Check by VIN that the free airbag recall was done.
Signs: Usually none; risk of short circuit, burning smell or no start.
Fix: Check by VIN that the free recall (terminal/cable check and repositioning) was done.
Signs: Key hard to turn or stuck in the start position, car will not start, starter keeps turning.
Fix: Replace the ignition lock (steering lock) and check the starter; on 2017-2018 1.5 dCi check the recall by VIN.
Signs: Blown bulbs, misaimed low beam or rear lamp faults at the roadworthiness test; light stalk can fail.
Fix: Replace bulbs, check holders and earth connections, adjust aim; replace the stalk switch if lights cut out.
Signs: Stone chips and cracks in the paint (bonnet, tailgate), surface rust starting at chips and hinges.
Fix: Touch up chips early, treat and grease hinges; check underbody and sills at service.
Signs: Navigation/radio screen freezes or resets; A/C cools weakly or stops (condenser behind grille can be holed by stones).
Fix: Software update for MediaNav; diagnose A/C controls and check the condenser for leaks before recharging.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Won't select a gear, 'gearbox fault', jerky shifts
Fix: Repair or replace the actuator; clutch re-learn
Signs: Slipping, harsh engagement
Fix: Replace clutch + re-learn
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,650–5,850. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Dacia Sandero 2 with the 1.1 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 120,000 km or every 60 months | €450–900 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Petrol1,149 cm³ · 55 kW (75 hp) | 6.8 % | 2013–2017 | 137 g/km | — |
| 1.1 Petrol1,149 cm³ · 54 kW (73 hp) | 3.0 % | 2015–2019 | 130 g/km | — |
| 1.1 Petrol1,149 cm³ | 1.3 % | 2014–2017 | 130 g/km | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (7). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: recall: battery positive terminal can touch alternator (short/fire) (0–200,000 km, free / recall); front suspension: arms, anti-roll bar bushes, strut mounts, dampers (30,000–180,000 km, €100–450); ignition lock / key barrel fails or key jams (20,000–200,000 km, €0–400); ignition coil failure (60,000–160,000 km, €60–300).
Belt · 120,000 km / every 60 mo.
5W-40 / 10W-40 · Renault RN0700 · ~4.0 L · every 15,000 km.
0.9 / 1.0 TCe & 1.0 SCe (H4B / H4D)1.5 dCi (K9K)1.4 / 1.6 8v MPI (Renault K7J / K7M)
Renault Clio IV 2012–2019Dacia Logan II 2012–2020Renault Twingo II 2007–2014Renault Modus 2004–2012Dacia Sandero I 2008–2012
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026