2012 Citroen DS3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Citroen DS3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Citroen DS3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints5.3× usual
  Citroen DS3

  20% All 2012 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.8%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Brake discs2.1× usual
  Citroen DS3

  29.3% All 2012 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Exhaust system3.5× usual
  Citroen DS3

  17.7% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  Citroen DS3

  18.2% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Citroen DS3

  13.1% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2012 Citroen DS3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Citroen DS3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  39% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  38% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Driveshafts and joints
  20% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Citroen DS3 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2012 Citroen DS3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2012 Citroen DS3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2012 Citroen DS3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?