Seeking Advice on 2022 Duster Diesel with Smoke Issues, Engine Light, Decreased Power, and Potential DPF Problem

Hey, smells like deja vu. I had something similar with my 2020 Duster Diesel, a couple years younger than yours but pretty much identical. Just to set the record straight, I'm no expert mechanic but I've had my fair share of car issues to handle - courtesy of my riding and fixing side-gig. Took it to my local workshop after a bit of DIY detective work pointed to the DPF, just like you guessed. They confirmed it - DPF was internally defective, bit of a nuisance, if you ask me. Service wasn't all that bad, they got it sorted just fine. Replaced the whole damn DPF and got me back on the road. I had to cough up about 1550€, slightly raised my eyebrows but well, that's life sometimes. By the way, you didn't mention mileage or how frequently you use your car. Those might be part of the problem too. A few more details could help us in trouble-shooting and advising better. Hope this helps!

Hey there, appreciate the fast response! Use the car pretty regularly. Right now, she's got about 15703 KM on the clock. Booked her for a service quite recently actually, about two months ago, so not sure why the problem's cropping up now. Maybe it's a usual wear and tear issue? You think the consistent use could be contributing to the issue? And yeah, the cost of a new DPF gave me bit of a shock too, but if it's got to be done it's got to be done. Guess I'll take it to the workshop again and have them take a look at it. Thanks again for the advice!

Hey, happy to help! With 15703 KM, your Duster's still pretty young for such issues unless there's been intense driving or some dirty fuel. Consistent use is generally good for a diesel engine but you gotta make sure the car gets a decent run at higher speeds every now and then to burn off the soot in the DPF. Call it essential exercise or something like that, works the same for cars and human beings. Since you mentioned that you've had it serviced pretty recently, consider checking back with the servicing centre about the problem. Sometimes, particles of a faulty or old filter can get stuck in the DPF sensor causing the DPF light to come on. This could very well be the ‘clogged DPF’ issue you're facing. If that's the case, a clean-up might be all that's needed instead of a full replacement. Fingers crossed for you. To cut a long story short, keep us posted. I for one, would be interested in how it turns out. Good luck!

Will do! Interestingly, I hadn't thought about the scheduled high-speed runs to clear off the soot; must note that down. I usually just cruise around town at lower speeds which might be contributing to the problem. I guess I'll take her for a good spin at higher speeds and see how it goes before rushing for a workshop visit. Will also shoot a call to the service centre as you suggested; maybe it's just a trapped particle situation and not a full-blown DPF failure. That'd be a big relief - and a lot cheaper! I'll circle back around here later and let you guys know what happened. Your advice has definitely shed more light on the situation, big thanks for that! Keep the rubber side down. Cheers!