2021 DS 3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel DS 3 first registered in 2021 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 252 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 252 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 DS 3 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 DS 3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Brake discs3.1× usualDS 318.7% All 2021 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt 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 pads2.1× usualDS 313.1% All 2021 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
Common 2021 DS 3 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 DS 3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes24% 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.
- Tyres20% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension9% 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 electrics3% 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 joints2% 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 2021 DS 3 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2021 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2021 DS 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a DS 3?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the DS 3 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 745 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 3,571 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 7,424 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 10,194 | Tyres 33% |
| 2017 | 21,441 | Tyres 34% |
| 2016 | 34,613 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 19,290 | Tyres 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of DS 3 cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score