2012 Citroen DS4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Citroen DS4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Citroen DS4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Number plate lights3.4× usual
  Citroen DS4

  22.8% All 2012 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.3× usual
  Citroen DS4

  12.7% All 2012 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, 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.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Citroen DS4

  12.5% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Citroen DS4

  8.9% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, 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.

• Headlight aim2× usual
  Citroen DS4

  7.6% All 2012 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2012 Citroen DS4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Citroen DS4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  39% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% 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
  32% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Citroen DS4 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 number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2012 Citroen DS4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2012 Citroen DS4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2012 Citroen DS4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?