2014 Citroen DS4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Citroen DS4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Citroen DS4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Number plate lights4.8× usual
  Citroen DS4

  21.9% All 2014 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 1.4% of all 2014 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) joints5× usual
  Citroen DS4

  11.4% All 2014 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 1.3% of all 2014 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 discs1.7× usual
  Citroen DS4

  22.3% All 2014 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1% of all 2014 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.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Citroen DS4

  11.2% All 2014 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 3% of all 2014 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.

• Headlight aim2.2× usual
  Citroen DS4

  6.7% All 2014 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3.1% of all 2014 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 2014 Citroen DS4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Citroen DS4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  37% 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
  32% 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
  31% 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.

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  12% 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
  7% 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 2014 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 4.8× as often on the 2014 Citroen DS4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2014 Citroen DS4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2014 Citroen DS4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?