Comparison · small SUVs

Dacia Duster vs Kia Stonic: which is more reliable?

The Kia Stonic does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 90 for the Dacia Duster, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 95,688 real MOT tests in 2024.

Dacia Duster

90Well below average
MOT tests70,038

Kia Stonic

103Above average
MOT tests25,650

By age

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

Age at testDacia DusterKia Stonic
3–5 years
92Well below average
103Above average
6–9 years
89Well below average
104Above average
10–14 years
86Well below average
–
15+ years––

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearDacia DusterKia Stonic
202183.9%91.9%
202080.2%89.3%
201975.3%86.4%
201873.9%85.6%
201772.9%84.5%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaDacia DusterKia Stonic
Lights & electrics18.82.5
Brakes7.93.9
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.44.7
Tyres5.52.9
Suspension4.90.5
Body & chassis3.10.2
Steering2.30.3
Emissions & leaks1.90.6

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%

Kia Stonic: top failures

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.7%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.4%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Dacia Duster or the Kia Stonic?

The Kia Stonic does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 90 for the Dacia Duster, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Dacia Duster and Kia Stonic can be compared?

Both were tested for 5 registration years (2017–2021). The Dacia Duster had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the Kia Stonic in 5.

What fails most on each?

Dacia Duster: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Kia Stonic: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick.