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DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) (2015-2019) reliability

At a glance

DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average

DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) models built around 2018 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) right now?

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Key figure

25% of MOT tests on DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen)
poor reliability2015-2019HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 43,290 tests of DS 3 models registered 2015-2020.

DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
59217.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,36316.0%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,58018.0%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
6,86124.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
12,05426.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
15,39329.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
3,44730.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 10 years old.

Figures for fails still not passed 3 days later, and for dangerous defects, aren't available yet for this model.

How the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) compares

At each age below, see how the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 8,358 tests across 6 DS models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateDS average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
59217.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,36316.0%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,58018.0%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
6,86124.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
12,05426.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
15,39329.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
3,44730.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen).

  1. 1

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.2%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 24.5% for the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen), both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    25,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Peugeot 108

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.5%

    Lower fail rate: 14.3%, against 24.5% for the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen), both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    10,851 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.5%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 24.5% for the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen), both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    5,662 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Suzuki Swift

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 24.5% for the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen), both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    11,074 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

91%of all DS 3 cars first registered in 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

14 recalls in all

GOV.UK files these recalls under Citroen, the make this model was first sold as.

12 of the 14 DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 11 more

Top concerns

  • Loss of control
  • Citroen C3 DS3 driver and passenger airbag (Takata)
  • On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing be

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 210 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
11%
Emissions
8%
Drivetrain
6%

Wear items

Tyres
20%
Lighting
16%
Brakes
12%
How DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) cars have aged

How DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (1,663 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (1,717 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (2,363 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (2,229 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (2,095 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (2,020 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (2,580 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (4,460 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (4,654 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (4,941 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (5,133 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (6,861 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (4,969 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (4,885 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (4,795 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (4,773 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (5,991 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (11,189 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (11,525 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (11,729 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (11,791 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (15,393 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (3,330 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (3,112 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (2,967 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (2,754 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (3,447 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2020 (built 2017-2020)First registered around 2019 (built 2017-2020)First registered around 2018 (built 2017-2020)First registered around 2017 (built 2017-2020)
How each part holds up as DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) cars age

How each part holds up as DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension16%5%11%20%
Brakes14%9%12%14%
Emissions1%1%8%8%
Tyres7%12%20%21%
Lighting3%8%16%19%
Drivetrain1%4%6%10%
Corrosion0%1%2%1%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 69 to 505 cars at each age.

Same age, different build years

Same age, different build years

How cars of the DS 3 from different build years compare at the same age. Treat it as a pointer, not proof. A difference can come from changes to the car, to the MOT itself, or to which cars are still on the road.

How they compare at 4 years old

2013-2016
19.1%
2021 data
2017-2020
17.7%
2025 data
2021+
15.9%
2025 data

How they compare at 5 years old

2013-2016
21.1%
2022 data
2017-2020
16.0%
2025 data

How they compare at 6 years old

2013-2016
23.9%
2023 data
2017-2020
18.0%
2025 data

Each bar uses one year of national MOT results. Testing conditions can differ from one year to another.

All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on DS 3 models of this age

This list covers every DS 3 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.9%
    Advisory: 1,789Fail: 207 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    18.6%
    Advisory: 1,851Fail: 176 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    14.8%
    Advisory: 1,427Fail: 22 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    9.9%
    Advisory: 626Fail: 91 (13% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    8.2%
    Advisory: 770Fail: 94 (11% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,861 tests

Looking at a DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the DS 3 (hatchback, ex-Citroen) (2015-2019) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 6,861 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 43,290 MOT tests on DS 3 models first registered between 2015-2020. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.