Comparison · small SUVs

Dacia Duster vs Ford Puma: which is more reliable?

The Ford Puma does better at the MOT, with a score of 105 against 90 for the Dacia Duster, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 126,498 real MOT tests in 2024.

Dacia Duster

90Well below average
MOT tests70,038

Ford Puma

105Above average
MOT tests56,460

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testDacia DusterFord Puma
3–5 years
92Well below average
105Above average
6–9 years
89Well below average
–
10–14 years
86Well below average
–
15+ years–
101About average

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearDacia DusterFord Puma
202183.9%92.1%
202080.2%91.7%
201975.3%92.4%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaDacia DusterFord Puma
Lights & electrics18.82.5
Brakes7.92.3
Tyres5.53.2
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.41.8
Suspension4.91.2
Body & chassis3.10.6
Emissions & leaks1.90.9
Steering2.30.1

Dacia Duster: top failures

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.5%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  3. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.5%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.7%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low1.3%

Ford Puma: top failures

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  2. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.8%
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.6%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.4%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Dacia Duster or the Ford Puma?

The Ford Puma does better at the MOT, with a score of 105 against 90 for the Dacia Duster, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Dacia Duster and Ford Puma can be compared?

Both were tested for 3 registration years (2019–2021). The Dacia Duster had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the Ford Puma in 3.

What fails most on each?

Dacia Duster: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Ford Puma: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; headlamp aim: too high.