Citroen DS3 MOT pass rate and common problems
63.0% of 107,364 Citroen DS3 MOT tests pass.
The DS3 passes 63.0% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Citroen models (71.7%).
The Citroen DS3 passes 63.0% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Citroen DS3?
This is the average across every Citroen DS3 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Citroen’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Citroen DS3 tested at 3–6 years pass 93.4% of the time, compared with just 62.0% at 10–15 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 93.4% | 61 | 36,281 miles |
| 6–10 years | 65.9% | 27,257 | 68,138 miles |
| 10–15 years | 62.0% | 80,045 | 84,754 miles |
| 15+ years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Citroen DS3
The most common reason the Citroen DS3 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 59.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 59.0% | Not working |
| Suspension | 36.2% | Fractured or broken |
| Body, chassis, structure | 31.8% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Brakes | 23.7% | Significantly and obviously worn |
| Tyres | 20.7% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Steering | 13.2% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Visibility | 12.5% | Not working |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.2% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Road Wheels | 1.7% | Fixing missing |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.7% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
Buying a used Citroen DS3: what to check
These checks follow the Citroen DS3’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Citroen DS3 comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 93.4% to 65.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 81.4% down to 69.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 59.0% of failed Citroen DS3 MOTs. 29.7% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.3% at 3–6 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 36.2% of failed Citroen DS3 MOTs. 17.2% of tests at 10–15 years failed on suspension, against 1.6% at 3–6 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 31.8% of failed Citroen DS3 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 14.7% of tests at 6–10 years failed on bodywork and corrosion.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
4. Brakes
Recorded in 23.7% of failed Citroen DS3 MOTs. 11.4% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 4.9% at 3–6 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 20.7% of failed Citroen DS3 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 9.7% of tests at 10–15 years failed on tyres.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Citroen service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Citroen models
- Citroen Berlingo — 70.8% pass rate
- Citroen C1 — 76.1% pass rate
- Citroen C4 — 67.6% pass rate
- Citroen Dispatch — 69.7% pass rate
- Citroen C3 Aircross — 88.0% pass rate
- Citroen Xsara — 57.4% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Citroen DS3?
- 63.0% of Citroen DS3 MOT tests pass, based on 107,364 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Citroen DS3?
- The most common reason the Citroen DS3 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 59.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Citroen DS3?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Citroen DS3 are lights and electrics; suspension; bodywork and corrosion. 29.7% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.3% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Citroen DS3?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; bodywork and corrosion; brakes; tyres. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Citroen DS3's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Citroen service history guide for how to check and keep one.