At a Glance
The Ds Ds3 has 15 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the DS3 (2010-2019) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 183K 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 Ds 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
Ds 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Ds Ds3 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Ds Ds3 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Ds Ds3 MOT Failures
Every reason Ds 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 | 16.82% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 15.68% |
| 3 | Brake disc or drum worn | 10.23% |
| 4 | Brake pads or linings worn | 9.25% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.66% |
| 6 | Position lamp not working | 5.07% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.75% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.73% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 3.67% |
| 10 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 3.25% |
| 11 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.05% |
| 12 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 1.87% |
| 13 | Driveshaft fault | 1.49% |
| 14 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.13% |
| 15 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.09% |
| 16 | Indicator fault | 1.06% |
| 17 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.93% |
| 18 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.91% |
| 19 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.84% |
| 20 | Stop lamp not working | 0.52% |
| 21 | Seat belt condition | 0.41% |
| 22 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.41% |
| 23 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.39% |
| 24 | Horn not working | 0.39% |
| 25 | Engine oil leak | 0.35% |
| 26 | ABS fault | 0.30% |
| 27 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.30% |
| 28 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.26% |
| 29 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.25% |
| 30 | Airbag warning light on | 0.23% |
| 31 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.23% |
| 32 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.23% |
| 33 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.21% |
| 34 | Exhaust system fault | 0.18% |
| 35 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 36 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 37 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.14% |
| 38 | Passenger seat fault | 0.14% |
| 39 | Propshaft fault | 0.13% |
| 40 | Headlamp fault | 0.13% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.12% |
| 42 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 43 | Driver seat fault | 0.11% |
| 44 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 45 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 46 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 47 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.08% |
| 48 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 49 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 50 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 51 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 52 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 53 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 54 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 55 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 56 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 57 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 58 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 59 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 60 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 61 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.03% |
| 62 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 63 | Electric power steering fault | 0.03% |
| 64 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 65 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 66 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.03% |
| 67 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 68 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 69 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 70 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 71 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 72 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 73 | Transmission drive belt fault | 0.02% |
| 74 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 75 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 76 | Seat belt or padding damaged | 0.02% |
| 77 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 78 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.02% |
| 79 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 80 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 81 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 82 | Reversing lamp switch fault | 0.01% |
| 83 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 84 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 85 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 87 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 88 | Steering lock fault | <0.01% |
| 89 | Body corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 90 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 91 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 92 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 94 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 95 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 97 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 98 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 99 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 100 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 101 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 102 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 103 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 106 | Front lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 107 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 108 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 110 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 113 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 113 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Ds Ds3 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Ds 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 Ds Ds3 problems?
Based on analysis of 183K Ds Ds3 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 15 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Wiper blades deteriorated". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Ds Ds3 generation has the most problems?
The Ds Ds3 DS3 (2010-2019) (2010–2019) has the highest number of identified common problems (16). 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 Ds Ds3?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Ds Ds3 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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