Small car · 2009–2020 cars
Citroën DS3 reliability
The Citroën DS3 fails 46% of first MOT tests, 51% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 254,250 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Citroën DS3 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 46%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 51% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 254,250
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,600
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Citroën DS3 is a below-average reliability choice. 46% of first-time MOT tests failed, against 28.4% for all cars. Against cars of the same age and mileage, it has 51% more MOT fails. It ranks 59 of 63 small car models, based on 254,250 MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
That doesn't rule it out. Body, chassis and structure is the weakest area, with 377% more fails than comparable cars. 2010 was the best year (27% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage), while 2015 was the weakest (73% more). Before you buy, check for a fractured or broken coil spring (9.26% of tests), a split or insecure CV joint boot (9.16%), an excessively worn track rod end ball joint (4.93%) and a position lamp that isn't working (4.8%). Ask to see the MOT history.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Citroën DS3 ages
Each point is the share of Citroën DS3s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Citroën DS3 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 26.4% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 36% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 40.7% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 42.7% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 45.1% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 47.1% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 48.8% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 49.9% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 48.4% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 48.4% | 41.1% |
By year
The best and worst Citroën DS3 years
2010 cars come out best and 2015 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 285 | 30.5% | 75% more fails | 42,296 |
| 2016 | 745 | 34.1% | 68% more fails | 49,091 |
| 2015 DS3 | 29,612 | 41% | 73% more fails | 57,116 |
| 2014 DS3 | 62,528 | 43.9% | 63% more fails | 64,704 |
| 2013 DS3 | 62,482 | 45.5% | 51% more fails | 71,444 |
| 2012 DS3 | 51,152 | 49.6% | 48% more fails | 79,301 |
| 2011 DS3 | 32,978 | 48.9% | 35% more fails | 86,459 |
| 2010 DS3 | 14,329 | 49.1% | 27% more fails | 91,546 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Citroën DS3
Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 377% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.4%74% above avg
- Suspension15.9%60% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure14.8%377% above avg
- Tyres8.8%33% above avg
- Brakes7.5%14% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%43% above avg
- Steering6.2%201% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.5%59% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.9%13% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 9.26% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
CV joint boot split or insecure 9.16% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 3
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 4.93% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Position lamp not working 4.8% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.96% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 6
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.42% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 7
Exhaust system insecurely mounted 3.05% of tests
A loose exhaust can drop or hit the road, causing damage and noise, so it must be secured.
- 8
Stop lamp not working 2.86% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Citroën DS3's MOT certificate most often.
- Brake disc pitted or scored17.57%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit16.43%
- Exhaust mounting defective9.54%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking8%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear5.78%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.76%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Citroën DS3
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 3
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Citroën DS3 covers about 7,600 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel50.1%
- Petrol49.9%
Most common colours
White, Red, Black, Grey, Blue
Average engine size: 1.5 litres.
Compare
How the Citroën DS3 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Fusion | 40.6% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia Rio | 30.9% | 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 206 | 48.5% | 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford B-Max | 27.2% | 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Fiat Punto | 44.5% | 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën DS3 | 46% | 51% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Dacia Sandero | 30.8% | 62% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small car ranked in the small car reliability index, or all Citroën models.
Questions
Citroën DS3 questions, answered
Is the Citroën DS3 reliable?
On MOT results, the Citroën DS3 is well below average: it fails 46% of first MOT tests, 51% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 59 of 63 small car models in our index.
What fails most on a Citroën DS3 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Citroën DS3 are coil spring fractured or broken (9.26% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (9.16% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (4.93% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 20.4% of its tests.
Which Citroën DS3 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2010 cars do best (27% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2015 cars do worst (73% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Citroën DS3 do a year?
A typical Citroën DS3 covers about 7,600 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Citroën DS3 before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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