2012 Citroën DS3 · 51,152 MOT tests
2012 Citroën DS3 reliability
2012 Citroën DS3s fail 49.6% of first MOT tests, 48% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 6 DS3 years (51,152 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 Citroën DS3?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën DS3s: 46%)
- 49.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën DS3s: 46%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 48% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 79,301
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 51,152
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 35% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 51% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 15.1% of tests fail here (312% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Citroën DS3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics25.9%
- Suspension17.6%
- Body, chassis and structure15.1%
- Tyres9.1%
- Brakes8.2%
- Steering7.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 10.02%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
CV joint boot split or insecure 9.09%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 7.18%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 5.9%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Position lamp not working 5.75%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 4.12%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (18.86%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.97%) · Exhaust mounting defective (8.6%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.74%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.27%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.59%)
Is a 2012 Citroën DS3 reliable?
2012 Citroën DS3s fail 49.6% of first MOT tests, 48% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 6 DS3 years (51,152 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Citroën DS3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (10.02% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (9.09% of tests), stop lamp not working (7.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Citroën DS3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Citroën DS3 shows 79,301 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Check a 2012 Citroën DS3 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.