2016 DS 3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 DS 3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 DS 3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints11.2× usual
  DS 3

  16.8% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.6%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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 discs2.2× usual
  DS 3

  25.9% All 2016 cars

  11.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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 system8.6× usual
  DS 3

  14.6% All 2016 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.4% of all 2016 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 springs2.7× usual
  DS 3

  8.7% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.1% of all 2016 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.

• Engine oil leaks3.7× usual
  DS 3

  7.4% All 2016 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2016 DS 3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 DS 3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  35% 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.

• 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.

• Suspension
  25% 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
  19% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  17% 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
  15% 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 2016 DS 3 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 11.2× as often on the 2016 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2016 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 8.6× as often on the 2016 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?