2018 DS 3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 DS 3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 DS 3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Brake discs2.3× usual
  DS 3

  22.6% All 2018 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.5% of all 2018 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 system14× usual
  DS 3

  11.2% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.2% of all 2018 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints10× usual
  DS 3

  8% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

• Coil springs3.1× usual
  DS 3

  3.4% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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.

• Braking performance2.9× usual
  DS 3

  3.5% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2018 DS 3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 DS 3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  36% 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
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  11% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  8% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2018 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 14× as often on the 2018 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 10× as often on the 2018 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?