Citroen DS3 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 74,763 MOT tests on the Citroen DS3 carried out in 2023. 47% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 DS3s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2010 to 2017. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (50% passed, −10.0 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2015 models fared worst (58%, −17.7 points). Tested cars had covered 74,636 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 20.5% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 11.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 74,763
- First-time pass rate
- 53%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −18.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 74,636
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular DS3?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
DS3 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 76 | 68% | 82% | −13.3 points | 44,843 |
| 2016 | 215 | 63% | 79% | −15.4 points | 52,373 |
| 2015 | 8,640 | 58% | 75% | −17.7 points | 59,371 |
| 2014 | 18,282 | 55% | 72% | −16.6 points | 66,636 |
| 2013 | 18,463 | 53% | 68% | −14.9 points | 73,651 |
| 2012 | 15,064 | 49% | 66% | −16.1 points | 81,172 |
| 2011 | 9,736 | 49% | 63% | −13.7 points | 87,759 |
| 2010 | 4,253 | 50% | 60% | −10.0 points | 93,119 |
Why the Citroen DS3 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | DS3 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 20.5% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 16.9% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 15.0% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 9.0% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 7.6% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 7.2% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 6.2% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.5% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken11.4%
- 2constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt10.5%
- 3not working9.2%
- 4ball joint has excessive play5.7%
- 5not working on dipped beam4.6%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.0%
- 7ball joint excessively worn3.7%
- 8system insecure3.4%
- 9not working3.0%
- 10inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.5%
Common DS3 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used DS3, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 20.5% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 18.7% |
| system insecure | Body and structure | 10.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 7.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.6% |
| ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 4.9% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 4.4% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.3% |
Tips to help your DS3 pass
Based on where DS3s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 20.5% of DS3 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Body and structure · 15.0% of DS3 tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the DS3 ULEZ compliant? See the Citroen DS3 ULEZ check, or view all Citroen models.
Other Citroen models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 74,763 first MOT tests of the Citroen DS3 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 74,763 first MOT tests of the Citroen DS3.
What is the Citroen DS3 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 47% of 74,763 first MOT attempts on the Citroen DS3 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Citroen DS3 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (20.5% of tests), suspension (16.9% of tests), body and structure (15.0% of tests).
Which DS3 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 50% passed first time, −10.0 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2015, at 58% (−17.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Citroen DS3 covered at its MOT?
The average was 74,636 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2017 cars averaged 44,843 miles and 2010 cars 93,119.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Citroen DS3?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 20.5% of tests, in the brakes area. 7.6% of DS3s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific DS3's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 74,763 DS3s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 49% to 68% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readMOT advisories explained: what they mean and what to fix firstHalf of all cars tested in 2023 left with at least one advisory. They don't fail the MOT, but they're the tester's warning of what's coming next.Read the guide
Check any DS3's MOT history
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