2020 DS 3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 DS 3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 DS 3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Brake discs3× usual
  DS 3

  22.5% All 2020 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.4% of all 2020 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.

• Brake pads2× usual
  DS 3

  15.7% All 2020 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.4% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Wipers3.2× usual
  DS 3

  10% All 2020 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2020 DS 3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 DS 3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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
  28% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  6% 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
  4% 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
  3% 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 2020 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 3× as often on the 2020 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2020 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2020 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?