Reconditioned Dacia Duster Gearbox

14 engine codes for the Duster 2010–2020: which one determines your gearbox

On the Duster, it is the engine code — not the engine capacity alone — that identifies the compatible gearbox. This guide covers four engine variants and fourteen distinct codes, split between diesel and petrol, across the 2010 to 2020 model years. A Duster 1.5 dCi can be fitted with either a 5-speed or a 6-speed gearbox depending on the year and the exact engine variant: K9K856, K9K858, K9K874, K9K894 and K9K898 are the five codes for this engine, and they do not all correspond to the same transmission. Checking the code stamped on the engine before placing any order is therefore essential.

Petrol: three engine families, two gearbox configurations

On the petrol side, three engines are paired with different gearboxes. The 1.6 naturally aspirated (codes K4M 606, K4M 690, K4M 842, K4M 896) takes a 5-speed manual gearbox. So does the 1.0 SCe 100 (code H4D). The 1.2 TCe (codes H5F, H5F404, H5F408, H5F410), however, uses a 6-speed gearbox: the two families are not physically interchangeable, even though their engine capacities appear similar. Here again, only the engine code gives a definitive answer.

Common symptoms on the Duster and identification points

On 4-wheel drive versions, the gearbox is paired with a separate transfer case: a noise or difficult gear change may originate from either unit. The 5-speed gearboxes found on the first-generation 1.5 dCi are known for synchromesh wear, particularly on 2nd and 3rd gear, which shows up as difficulty selecting gears when cold. On the 6-speed dCi versions, selection problems are less common but can appear on high-mileage vehicles used off-road. In every case, the full engine code — not just the commercial designation — remains the starting point for selecting the correct unit from this range.