Dacia Sandero (2016)
2016 Dacia Sandero
CarHunch analysed 14,828 real MOT records for the 2016 Dacia Sandero. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2016 Dacia Sandero matches the UK average pass rate at 79.8%, but the headline concern is that 36.4% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point — well above acceptable — suggesting potential structural or safety issues in this cohort. Petrol models perform marginally better than diesels (80.5% versus 78.5% pass rate), though the difference is modest.
At 37,080 miles median mileage for eight-year-old cars, these Sanderos are relatively lightly used, yet they average nearly 2 failures per MOT and 9.2 advisories, indicating wear issues are still materialising despite lower-than-expected miles. If you're considering one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on structural integrity and suspension components, and budget for imminent repairs.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 2 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2016 Dacia Sandero
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 36.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Dacia Sandero
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (68%) | 10,032 | 80.5% | 1.87 |
| Diesel (32%) | 4,794 | 78.5% | 2.12 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 2 | 70.7% | 3 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 Dacia Sandero vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2016 Dacia Sandero vehicles fall between 26,290 and 49,195 miles.
2016 Dacia Sandero — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 13,828 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 96% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2016 Dacia Sandero
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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54.8%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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52.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
41.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
35.8%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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31.5%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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27.5%
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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25.8%
Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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23%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Dacia Sandero?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.