DS reliability and common MOT problems by model

Name: DS MOT reliability and common problems data
Creator: Motintel

DS shows a 18.4% combined MOT failure rate across 49,410 tests in Motintel data. Ds3 has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 18.6%. Ds3 deserves extra checking at 18.6%.

Data sources: DVSA MOT records, official recall records, and MOT fault wording snapshots (2026-04-27, 2026-04-29, rfr_codes_2025-05-12, failure items 2023). Search-indexed model pages must clear 20,000 MOT tests and 10,000 vehicles.

DS combined failure rate: 18.4% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #27 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest).

Which DS models look strongest?

Ds3 (18.6%)

Which DS models need extra caution?

Ds3 (18.6%)

Most reliable DS models in MOT data

#	Model	MOT failure rate	Tests	Vehicles
1	DS Ds3	18.6%	40,211 tests	31,652 vehicles

DS models with the highest MOT failure rates

#	Model	MOT failure rate	Tests	Vehicles
1	DS Ds3	18.6%	40,211 tests	31,652 vehicles

Common DS MOT problem areas

#	Problem area	MOT notes	Models affected	What to check	High-rate examples
1	Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors	3,167 MOT notes	1 models	Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear.	DS Ds3
2	Suspension and steering	2,181 MOT notes	1 models	Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced.	DS Ds3
3	Emissions, engine, and exhaust	2,016 MOT notes	1 models	Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs.	DS Ds3
4	Lights and electrical	1,719 MOT notes	1 models	Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying.	DS Ds3
5	Corrosion and structure	1,084 MOT notes	1 models	Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs.	DS Ds3
6	Tyres and wheels	883 MOT notes	1 models	Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear.	DS Ds3

All DS model reports

Model	MOT tests	Vehicles	Failure rate
Ds3	40,211	31,652	18.6%
Ds4 limited data	5,636	4,307	20.1%
Ds7 limited data	1,905	1,552	11.8%
Ds5 limited data	1,658	1,303	17.4%

Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.