2011 Citroen DS3: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Citroen DS3s, from 8,391 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 2011 Citroen DS3s than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Brake discs1.8× usualCitroen DS326.8% All 2011 cars14.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.
- Exhaust system2.7× usualCitroen DS317.2% All 2011 cars6.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.7% of all 2011 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.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints3.1× usualCitroen DS314.9% All 2011 cars4.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 2.2% of all 2011 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.
- Coil springs1.9× usualCitroen DS319.4% All 2011 cars10.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 4.1% of all 2011 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.
- Track rod ends2.3× usualCitroen DS312.2% All 2011 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.6% of all 2011 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.
Shock absorbers: 1.8% here, against 7.6% of all 2011 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 0.8% here, against 6.1% of all 2011 cars.
By area
The share of 2011 Citroen DS3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Lights and electrics41% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes37% 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.
- Tyres37% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions20% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints15% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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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% |
| 2010 | 3,404 | Suspension 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Citroen DS3s registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score