IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2026 Dacia Spring

From the 2026 model year the Spring swapped its 45 and 65 hp motors for 70 and 100 hp units and its 26.8 kWh pack for a 24.3 kWh LFP battery. UK prices started at £11,990 for the Expression 70.

What changed for 2026

  • •New 70 hp/52 kW and 100 hp/75 kW motors replacing the 45 hp and 65 hp units
  • •24.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, the first LFP pack used by the Renault Group
  • •40 kW DC charging, up from 30 kW, giving 20-80% in 29 minutes; 7 kW AC charging standard
  • •New front anti-roll bar, retuned steering and dampers, and underbody aerodynamic fairings
  • •15-inch wheels standard from Expression and vehicle-to-load power on Extreme

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Inner-edge tyre wear on the rear axle now that an anti-roll bar is fitted
  • !Corroded brake pipes and ferrules where a low-mileage EV sits unused for long periods
  • !Front suspension top mount and drop-link play after repeated pothole strikes
  • !Damage to the charge port pins and flap seal allowing water into the connector
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 2026 Dacia Spring

  • Confirm the car has the 24.3 kWh LFP pack and 70 or 100 hp motor, not the earlier 26.8 kWh car
  • Inspect the DC charge port pins for arcing, heat damage or green corrosion
  • Check the 40 kW DC charging actually works, since early cars relied on a slower 30 kW unit
  • Ask for the latest battery management and infotainment software to be flashed before collection
2025
Check a 2026 Dacia Spring by Registration