DS reliability and common MOT problems by model
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%. Ds4 deserves extra checking at 20.1%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
DS combined failure rate: 18.4% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #27 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Which DS models look strongest?
Ds3 (18.6%), Ds4 (20.1%)
Which DS models need extra caution?
Ds4 (20.1%), 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 |
| 2 | DS Ds4 | 20.1% | 5,636 tests | 4,307 vehicles |
DS models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DS Ds4 | 20.1% | 5,636 tests | 4,307 vehicles |
| 2 | 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 | 3,555 MOT notes | 2 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | DS Ds3, DS Ds4 |
| 2 | Suspension and steering | 2,490 MOT notes | 2 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | DS Ds4, DS Ds3 |
| 3 | Lights and electrical | 2,421 MOT notes | 2 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | DS Ds4, DS Ds3 |
| 4 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 2,296 MOT notes | 2 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | DS Ds3, DS Ds4 |
| 5 | Corrosion and structure | 1,155 MOT notes | 2 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | DS Ds3, DS Ds4 |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 1,001 MOT notes | 2 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | DS Ds3, DS Ds4 |
All DS model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ds3 | 40,211 | 31,652 | 18.6% |
| Ds4 | 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.