Dacia

Dacia Sandero (2018)

12,592 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.4% first-time pass rate

2018 Dacia Sandero

CarHunch analysed 12,592 real MOT records for the 2018 Dacia Sandero. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2018 Dacia Sandero passes its MOT slightly more often than the UK average—83.4% versus 80%—which is a solid result, though the 21.5% of vehicles that have recorded a dangerous defect is a red flag worth taking seriously before purchase. Petrol and diesel versions perform similarly, with petrol models at 83.5% and diesel at 82.2%, so fuel type isn't a differentiator here.

At just under 29,000 miles median mileage, these cars are running lower than typical for their age, suggesting many are lightly used or well-maintained. The average vehicle racks up 1.18 failures and 5.8 advisories per test, pointing to minor wear issues rather than structural problems—but that elevated dangerous defect rate means you should get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on brakes, suspension, and lighting.

The 2018 Dacia Sandero passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (83.4%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
83.4%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
21.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.18
Over 6.2 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
29k
Middle half: 20k–39k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 5.8 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 12,592 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 12,592 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 54.8%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 31.5%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 14.5%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Oil leak, but not excessive
Lighting 10.8%
Nearside Headlamp aim too low · Offside Headlamp aim too low
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 12,592 Dacia Sandero cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2018 Dacia Sandero

Based on MOT data from 12,592 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 21.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (91%) 11,479 83.5% 1.17
Diesel (9%) 1,113 82.2% 1.31

Colour Breakdown

Based on 100,613 Dacia Sandero vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 39.2%
39,391
Blue 20.2%
20,347
Black 12.8%
12,843
Red 9.7%
9,773
Grey 9.4%
9,451
Silver 6.4%
6,421
Brown 1.2%
1,158
Beige 1%
989
Orange 0.2%
234
Gold 0%
6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 Dacia Sandero vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

28,775
typical
19,928
low mileage
39,143
high mileage

Half of all 2018 Dacia Sandero vehicles fall between 19,928 and 39,143 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 19,928 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
19,928–39,143 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 Dacia Sanderos sit.
Over 52,843 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 Dacia Sandero — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 Dacia Sanderos are still on the road.

Strong survival — 12,029 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 98% of the peak.

12,253 12,029 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

6.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.18
Avg failures per vehicle
5.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Dacia Sandero: All Sandero years → Which year to buy? →
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021

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Average reliability — agree?