Diesel · 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 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine
The 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine was fitted to the Dacia Sandero 2 (2012–2020). In the EU that is 25.9 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.5 90 hp, 1.5, 1.5 75 hp, 1.5 95 hp.
The most expensive known risk is DPF clogging, failed regenerations: it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €150–1,500 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: Hard hot starting, rough idle, black smoke, power loss, return flow out of tolerance on the test
Fix: Return-flow (leak-off) test and live-data correction check; recondition or replace the faulty injectors with new copper seals
Signs: Jerky idle, black smoke, power loss, EGR fault codes (e.g. P0401); worse with short town trips
Fix: Check EGR position in live data; clean the valve and intake, replace the valve if it sticks or its motor fails
Signs: DPF warning, frequent or interrupted regenerations, limp mode; mostly cars used for short trips
Fix: Check the differential pressure sensor and EGR first, then forced regeneration, cleaning or replacement; use low-ash RN0720 oil
Signs: Whistling, blue smoke, oil use, loss of power or limp mode (P0299 underboost)
Fix: First check boost hoses and clamps and the intercooler pipes; if the turbo has play, replace it and clean or replace the oil feed line and check oil pressure
Signs: Oil level drops quickly between services, oil can reach the intake; risk of running low on oil
Fix: Check the oil level often; ask a Renault/Dacia dealer for the free ECU reprogramming campaign and an oil-consumption test
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: €3,100–7,250. 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 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| 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 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 120,000 km or every 72 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Diesel1,461 cm³ · 66 kW (90 hp) | 17.4 % | 2013–2019 | 98 g/km | — |
| 1.5 Diesel1,461 cm³ | 3.2 % | 2015–2018 | 96 g/km | — |
| 1.5 Diesel1,461 cm³ · 55 kW (75 hp) | 3.1 % | 2013–2019 | 109 g/km | — |
| 1.5 Diesel1,461 cm³ · 70 kW (95 hp) | 2.1 % | 2018–2019 | 125 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); DPF clogging, failed regenerations (80,000–200,000 km, €150–1,500); injector wear (high return flow, rough running) (150,000–250,000 km, €400–1,400); turbocharger failure (oil supply, boost hose) (120,000–250,000 km, €100–1,400).
Belt · 120,000 km / every 72 mo.
5W-30 · Renault RN0720 (DPF) / RN0710 · ~4.5 L · every 10,000 km.
0.9 / 1.0 TCe & 1.0 SCe (H4B / H4D)1.1 8v / 16v (Renault D7F / D4F)1.4 / 1.6 8v MPI (Renault K7J / K7M)
Nissan Qashqai (J11) 2013–2021Nissan Qashqai (J10) 2006–2014Renault Clio IV 2012–2019Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176) 2012–2018Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177) 2018–Nissan Juke (F15) 2010–2019Renault Captur I 2013–2019Renault Mégane III 2008–2016Dacia Duster II 2017–2024Renault Kadjar 2015–2022Nissan Note E11 2006–2013Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246) 2011–2018
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