Where is the VIN number in Dacia Duster I [2011-2017]?

This guide covers the first-generation Dacia Duster (2011–2017) and the most consistent places you can physically find the chassis number (VIN).

Chassis Number Locations

1) Engine Bay – Right Strut Tower (Stamped into metal)

• Where to look: Open the hood and go to the right-hand suspension strut tower (turret). The VIN is stamped directly into the top face of the metal turret, typically between the coolant expansion tank and the bulkhead/firewall.
• Access: Usually easy to see, but the stamp can be painted over, rusty, or covered in grease/dirt. Wipe it clean and angle a light across it to read the depressions.
• Note: This location appears consistent on both LHD and RHD Duster I models—it stays on the vehicle’s right side (passenger side on LHD, driver side on RHD).
• Tip: If the stamp is dirty, rusty, or low-contrast, use ScanVin.app “High Contrast AI Mode” to help decipher faint/painted characters without guessing.

2) Lower B-Pillar / Door Jamb Manufacturer Label (Sticker)

• Where to look: Open the front right door (right side of the vehicle) and inspect the lower B-pillar area. You’ll find a black manufacturer sticker/label with the VIN plus weight/paint info.
• Access: Fast to reach, but it sits low and vertical, so it’s often in shadow and can get scuffed from shoes/clothing over the years. Contrast is usually good (light text on black) unless damaged.
• Note: On LHD vehicles this is commonly the front passenger-side door jamb; on RHD vehicles it may be on the driver-side door jamb—use the vehicle’s right side as your reference.
• Tip: Because the jamb is often dark, use ScanVin.app “Flashlight + OCR” to scan the label cleanly without misreading characters.

3) Windshield / Dashboard VIN Plate (Market-dependent)

• Where to look: Check the lower corner of the windshield (often near the dashboard). Some Duster I cars have a visible VIN here, but it’s not consistently shown/confirmed across all markets and years in this generation.
• Access: Quick if present, but glare, tinting, and reflections can make it hard to read.
• Note: If you don’t see it at the windshield, don’t waste time—go straight to the engine bay strut tower stamp and the B-pillar label.
• Tip: If reflections are a problem, use ScanVin.app to capture it instantly so you don’t transpose letters/numbers while squinting through glare.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Dacia Duster Vin Number Location

▶ Watch Dacia Duster VIN Location Guide

• Shows a clear hood-open close-up of the stamped VIN on the right strut tower (good primary reference).

Video Tutorial: Dacia Duster (2013) Chassis Vin Number Location pr/str

▶ Watch Dacia Duster VIN Location Guide

• UK-spec RHD example with very high contrast (rusty stamp on white paint), making the right strut tower VIN easy to identify.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Painted-over / low-contrast stamp (engine bay): On dark-colored cars the VIN can look like “black on black.” Scrub lightly, then shine a light across the stamp at an angle to create shadows.
• Grease/dirt buildup on the turret top: Road grime and oily residue can fill the stamped depressions. Degrease and wipe dry before scanning.
• Sticker vs stamped VIN: The B-pillar sticker is not the legally binding identifier in many inspections/registrations. If there’s a mismatch, missing label, or signs of tampering, rely on the stamped chassis VIN and investigate further.

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