At a Glance
Ds has 20 identified common problems across 6 models, with the Ds3 being the most affected model and bodywork the most common problem category. Based on 230K 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 how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Ds common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 230K DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Ds models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Ds Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Ds3
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Ds4
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Ds7
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Ds5
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Ds 3 Crossback
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Ds 9
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Most Common Ds MOT Failures
Every reason Ds 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 tread depth below limit | 16.93% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 14.86% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 9.14% |
| 4 | Brake disc or drum worn | 8.87% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.22% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.19% |
| 7 | Position lamp not working | 4.31% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.26% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 3.08% |
| 10 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.90% |
| 11 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.84% |
| 12 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.91% |
| 13 | Driveshaft fault | 1.83% |
| 14 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.40% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.21% |
| 16 | Indicator fault | 1.05% |
| 17 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 1.04% |
| 18 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.94% |
| 19 | Stop lamp not working | 0.89% |
| 20 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.87% |
| 21 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.81% |
| 22 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.68% |
| 23 | Exhaust system fault | 0.53% |
| 24 | Seat belt condition | 0.43% |
| 25 | Headlamp fault | 0.41% |
| 26 | Engine oil leak | 0.40% |
| 27 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.39% |
| 28 | Horn not working | 0.37% |
| 29 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.36% |
| 30 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.33% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.31% |
| 32 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.28% |
| 33 | Airbag warning light on | 0.24% |
| 34 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.23% |
| 35 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.22% |
| 36 | Brake pedal fault | 0.20% |
| 37 | Propshaft fault | 0.19% |
| 38 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.18% |
| 39 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 40 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.14% |
| 42 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.13% |
| 43 | Passenger seat fault | 0.12% |
| 44 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.11% |
| 45 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 46 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.11% |
| 47 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 48 | Driver seat fault | 0.09% |
| 49 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 50 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 51 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 52 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 53 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.07% |
| 54 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 55 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 56 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 57 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 58 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 59 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 60 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.04% |
| 61 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 62 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 63 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 64 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 65 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 66 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 67 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.02% |
| 68 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 69 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 70 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.02% |
| 71 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 72 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 73 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 74 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 75 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 76 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 78 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 79 | Seat belt or padding damaged | 0.01% |
| 80 | Transmission drive belt fault | 0.01% |
| 81 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 82 | Steering arm worn | 0.01% |
| 83 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 84 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.01% |
| 85 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 87 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 88 | Reversing lamp switch fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 91 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 92 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 94 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 95 | Body corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 96 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 97 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 98 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 99 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 101 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 104 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 105 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 106 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 107 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Front lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 110 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 111 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 113 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 120 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 120 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Ds MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Ds, 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 Ds problems?
Based on analysis of 230K Ds MOT tests from DVSA data, Ds has 20 identified common problems across 6 models. The Ds Ds3 has the most recorded problems. Bodywork issues are the most common category.
Which Ds model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Ds Ds3 has the highest count with 15 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Ds models on UK roads. See the models grid for a 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 Ds?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Ds owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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