Citroen DS5 MOT pass rate and common problems
68.8% of 6,379 Citroen DS5 MOT tests pass.
At 68.8%, the DS5 passes slightly less often than the average across all Citroen models (71.7%).
The Citroen DS5 passes 68.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Citroen DS5?
This is the average across every Citroen DS5 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 eases gradually with age, from 72.8% at 6–10 years to 67.7% at 10–15 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (2) | 2 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (4) | 4 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 72.8% | 1,310 | 82,042 miles |
| 10–15 years | 67.7% | 5,063 | 99,671 miles |
| 15+ years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Citroen DS5
The most common reason the Citroen DS5 fails its MOT is suspension — present in 48.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Fractured or broken".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 48.8% | Fractured or broken |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 45.2% | Projected beam image is obviously incorrect |
| Brakes | 26.7% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 24.7% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 18.3% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Steering | 10.0% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Visibility | 9.1% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.5% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 0.9% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.7% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Citroen DS5: what to check
These checks follow the Citroen DS5’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 DS5 comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 72.8% to 67.7%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 81.3% down to 71.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 48.8% of failed Citroen DS5 MOTs.
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.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 45.2% of failed Citroen DS5 MOTs.
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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 26.7% of failed Citroen DS5 MOTs.
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.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 24.7% of failed Citroen DS5 MOTs.
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.
5. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 18.3% of failed Citroen DS5 MOTs.
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.
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 DS4 — 64.6% pass rate
- Citroen C4 Picasso — 79.3% pass rate
- Citroen C3 Picasso — 77.7% pass rate
- Citroen 2cv — 77.3% pass rate
- Citroen Saxo — 62.4% pass rate
- Citroen C5 Aircross — 92.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Citroen DS5?
- 68.8% of Citroen DS5 MOT tests pass, based on 6,379 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Citroen DS5?
- The most common reason the Citroen DS5 fails its MOT is suspension — present in 48.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Fractured or broken".
- What are the common problems with the Citroen DS5?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Citroen DS5 are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Citroen DS5?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; tyres; bodywork and corrosion. 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 DS5'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.