CarValidator

1.2 TCe (H5Ft)

20132017 · petrol · 1198cc · 125hp

Engine codes: H5Ft

Problematic

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Dacia Duster 1.2 TCe (H5Ft). Check this before you buy used.

The 1.2 TCe turbo (2013–2016) is the one to avoid: well-documented heavy oil consumption that, if the level drops unnoticed, leads to turbo and bearing damage. Treat oil monitoring as critical, or pick the 1.6 / 1.5 dCi instead.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (H5Ft) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

Oil consumption → oil starvationcritical

2013–2016 TCe consume oil; run low and the turbo/bottom end is damaged. Many failed this way.

Fix / Workaround: Check oil every fuel fill; short oil-change intervals; never run low. Best avoided 2013–2016.

Repair cost: €0–€2500

Typically appears after: 80,000 km

Year Cutoffs

2016: Before — 2013–2016 TCe — heavy oil consumption. After — Later TCe improved.

Mileage Thresholds

After 100,000 km: Oil consumption damage window.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

  • Check oil level + consumption obsessively
  • Prefer the 1.6 16V or 1.5 dCi
  • Ask about oil-burn history

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dacia Duster 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) reliable?

Problematic — The 1.2 TCe turbo (2013–2016) is the one to avoid: well-documented heavy oil consumption that, if the level drops unnoticed, leads to turbo and bearing damage. Treat oil monitoring as critical, or pick the 1.6 / 1.5 dCi instead.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Dacia Duster 1.2 TCe (H5Ft)?

The most commonly reported problems: Oil consumption → oil starvation.

Is a used Dacia Duster 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) worth buying?

Known design issues and recurring faults that were never fully resolved. Buy only with eyes open.