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DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen) (2015-2018) reliability

Not enough data

DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen) built around 2018: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen) models built around 2018 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen) right now?

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

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2015-2018HatchbackDIESEL

Based on 1,614 tests of DS 5 models registered 2015-2018.

Series 1 (ex-Citroen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
5213.5%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
20818.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
44520.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
68025.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
22925.3%

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 9 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 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen) compares

At each age below, see how the DS 5 Series 1 (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
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
5213.5%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
20818.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
44520.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
68025.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
22925.3%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

Drivetrain

Worth checking

Inspect the drivetrain carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen).

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 18.3% for the DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen), both built around 2018.

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

    3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 18.3% for the DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen), both built around 2018.

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

    50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    BMW i3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.8%
    Dangerous
    3.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.5%

    Lower fail rate: 12.0%, against 18.3% for the DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen), both built around 2018.

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

    3,249 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 18.3% for the DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen), both built around 2018.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,367 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

Not enough registration data to show this for the DS 5.

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.

Recall context

9 recalls in all

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

All 9 DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 9 recalls

Top concerns

  • Citroen C4 citroen DS5 driver airbag (Takata)
  • Front air bag igniters may not deploy correctly
  • Engine oil gallery sealing plug incorrectly tightened

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

How DS 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen) cars have aged

How DS 5 Series 1 (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%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (155 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (148 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (162 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (159 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (208 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (175 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (162 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (152 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (137 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (187 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (519 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (520 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (515 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (532 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (680 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (209 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (189 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (186 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (184 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (229 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2018 (built 2017-2020)First registered around 2017 (built 2017-2020)First registered around 2016 (built 2013-2016)First registered around 2015 (built 2013-2016)
Same age, different build years

Same age, different build years

How cars of the DS 5 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
14.4%
2021 data
2017-2020
15.5%
2022 data

How they compare at 5 years old

2013-2016
14.7%
2022 data
2017-2020
14.8%
2023 data

How they compare at 6 years old

2013-2016
19.0%
2023 data
2017-2020
13.5%
2025 data

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

All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on DS 5 models of this age

This list covers every DS 5 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 1 (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

    26.4%
    Advisory: 90Fail: 9 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    13.0%
    Advisory: 32Fail: 3 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    6.7%
    Advisory: 22Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.3%
    Advisory: 11Fail: 7 (39% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Major

    Drive shaft joint cover split and no longer keeps dirt out

    5.3%
    Advisory: 1Fail: 12 (92% of the times it was found)

Based on 208 tests

Looking at a DS 5 Series 1 (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 5 Series 1 (ex-Citroen) (2015-2018) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 208 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 1,614 MOT tests on DS 5 models first registered between 2015-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.