Used car guide

2012 Citroen DS4: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Citroen DS4s, from 2,067 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,067MOT tests in 2025
53%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
8,100typical miles a year
3.3×the usual rate for number plate lights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Citroen DS4s than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Number plate lights3.3× usual
    Citroen DS4
    23.9% All 2012 cars
    7.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 2.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
    Citroen DS4
    12.9% All 2012 cars
    4.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 2.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Ball joint2.5× usual
    Citroen DS4
    13.8% All 2012 cars
    5.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Track rod ends2.1× usual
    Citroen DS4
    10.1% All 2012 cars
    4.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Headlights1.9× usual
    Citroen DS4
    9.1% All 2012 cars
    4.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 1% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars. Exhaust system: 1.8% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.

By area

The share of 2012 Citroen DS4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    43% 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.

  • Tyres
    40% 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 electrics
    40% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    34% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    13% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    11% 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.

Looking at a Citroen DS4?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20151,045Tyres 37%
20142,120Tyres 38%
20133,339Suspension 42%
2011962Suspension 48%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Citroen DS4s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score