IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2024 Dacia Spring

The Spring finally reached UK showrooms in 2024, four years after its European debut, as a right-hand-drive facelift costing £14,995. A 26.8 kWh battery, 45 or 65 hp and a one-star Euro NCAP rating defined the car.

What changed for 2024

  • •First official UK-market Spring, engineered in right-hand drive for Britain and Ireland
  • •26.8 kWh lithium-ion battery with a 45 hp motor in Expression or 65 hp in Extreme
  • •Facelift front and rear styling with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster
  • •10.1-inch Media Display touchscreen and wireless smartphone mirroring on Extreme

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Uneven shoulder wear on the narrow 14- and 15-inch tyres, easily missed on a light EV
  • !Corroded high-voltage cable connectors and undertray fixings after repeated winter salt exposure
  • !Front brake discs and pads corroding through lack of use on low-mileage examples
  • !Play or knocking from the lower steering column joint, a visible MOT safety item
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

On-Board Charger (OBC) / DC-DC Converter 12V Battery Fault

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

The integrated power electronics box can fail to wake up the DC-DC converter during vehicle charging, causing the 12V auxiliary battery to discharge and preventing drive selection.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Warranty / Software Reflash)
Warning Signs:

"Electrical Hazard" or "Check EV System" warning on cluster, Car fails to switch to READY mode, 12V auxiliary battery dead

What to Inspect:
  • Check for dealer software updates to the power electronics unit
  • Verify 12V battery voltage after AC charging session
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Knocking

ModerateSteering

The lightweight steering column universal joint and intermediate shaft can develop play over urban potholes, creating a dull knocking sensation through the steering wheel.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£350
Warning Signs:

Clunking through the steering wheel when turning at low speed, Vibration over speed bumps

What to Inspect:
  • Turn steering wheel side-to-side with car stationary
  • Listen for play in lower column joint in driver footwell
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Electric Drive Reducer Gearbox Oil Seal Weeping

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The single-speed reducer gearbox output shaft seals can develop minor oil weeping, allowing transmission lubricant to coat the drive axle casing.

Est. Repair Cost: £120–£280
Warning Signs:

Oil misting on gearbox casing undertray, Slight gear whine at 40–50 mph

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the reducer gearbox casing and driveshaft seals for oil leaks during MOT or pre-purchase inspection
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2024 Dacia Spring

  • Confirm the car is a UK right-hand-drive model with a DVLA V5C, not a grey import
  • Check the 12V auxiliary battery still holds charge after an overnight AC charging session
  • Ask the dealer for the software update history covering the power electronics and body control modules
  • Test DC rapid charging on a 30 kW charger before buying; charger faults are expensive to fix
2025
Check a 2024 Dacia Spring by Registration