2010 Citroen DS3: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Citroen DS3s, from 3,404 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 Citroen DS3s than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usualCitroen DS316% All 2010 cars5%
Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 2.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Exhaust system2.4× usualCitroen DS318.4% All 2010 cars7.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Track rod ends2.4× usualCitroen DS313% All 2010 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.7% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Coil springs1.7× usualCitroen DS318.9% All 2010 cars11.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 4.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Engine oil leaks1.7× usualCitroen DS317.6% All 2010 cars10.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
Rigid brake pipes: 0.8% here, against 6.8% of all 2010 cars. Shock absorbers: 3.2% here, against 7.8% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 Citroen DS3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension49% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres38% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes35% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Exhaust and emissions21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Oil and fluid leaks19% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8,290 | Suspension 39% |
| 2014 | 17,374 | Suspension 40% |
| 2013 | 17,088 | Suspension 42% |
| 2012 | 13,491 | Suspension 46% |
| 2011 | 8,391 | Suspension 46% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Citroen DS3s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score