2016 DS 4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 DS 4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 DS 4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints8.7× usual
  DS 4

  13.1% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, 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.

• Number plate lights5× usual
  DS 4

  13.4% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  DS 4

  6.7% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, 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 leaks2.7× usual
  DS 4

  5.4% 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 4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 DS 4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  26% 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
  21% 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
  16% 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
  13% 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 2016 DS 4 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 8.7× as often on the 2016 DS 4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2016 DS 4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2016 DS 4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?