At a Glance
The Citroen Ds3 has 25 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the DS3 (2009-2019) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 727K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Citroen Ds3 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Citroen Ds3 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Help other Citroen Ds3 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Citroen Ds3 Generations
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Most Common Citroen Ds3 MOT Failures
Every reason Citroen Ds3 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 12.15% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 12.15% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 12.04% |
| 4 | Brake disc or drum worn | 7.36% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.95% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.39% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.57% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.40% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.26% |
| 10 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.24% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.93% |
| 12 | Stop lamp not working | 2.48% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.05% |
| 14 | Driveshaft fault | 1.96% |
| 15 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.72% |
| 16 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.35% |
| 17 | Exhaust system fault | 1.35% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.31% |
| 19 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.18% |
| 20 | Wheel bearing worn | 1.02% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 0.95% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 0.68% |
| 23 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.66% |
| 24 | Front lamp not working | 0.64% |
| 25 | Track rod end worn | 0.58% |
| 26 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.54% |
| 27 | Airbag warning light on | 0.54% |
| 28 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.40% |
| 29 | Horn not working | 0.37% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.34% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.33% |
| 32 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.31% |
| 33 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.29% |
| 34 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.26% |
| 35 | Engine oil leak | 0.24% |
| 36 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 37 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.19% |
| 38 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.19% |
| 39 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.17% |
| 40 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.16% |
| 41 | Brake lever fault | 0.16% |
| 42 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.14% |
| 43 | Fog lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 44 | Steering rack fault | 0.12% |
| 45 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 46 | Brake pedal fault | 0.09% |
| 47 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 48 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.09% |
| 49 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 50 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.09% |
| 51 | Rear lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 52 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.08% |
| 53 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 54 | Passenger seat fault | 0.07% |
| 55 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 56 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.07% |
| 57 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.07% |
| 58 | Front suspension fault | 0.07% |
| 59 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 60 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 61 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.05% |
| 62 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 63 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 64 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 65 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.05% |
| 66 | Rear suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 67 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 68 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 69 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 70 | Exhaust leak | 0.04% |
| 71 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 72 | Parking brake condition | 0.03% |
| 73 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 74 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 76 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 77 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 78 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.03% |
| 79 | Electric power steering fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 82 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 83 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 86 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 88 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Transmission drive belt fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 93 | Electrical switch fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 99 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 102 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 103 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 104 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 106 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 110 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 111 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 112 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 115 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 117 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 120 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 121 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 123 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 124 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 136 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 139 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 145 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 148 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 149 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 150 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 156 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 159 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Citroen Ds3 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Citroen Ds3, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Citroen Ds3 problems?
Based on analysis of 727K Citroen Ds3 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 25 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Citroen Ds3 generation has the most problems?
The Citroen Ds3 DS3 (2009-2019) (2009–2019) has the highest number of identified common problems (30). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Citroen Ds3?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Citroen Ds3 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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