Used car guide

2015 Citroen DS4: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2015 Citroen DS4s, from 1,045 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,045MOT tests in 2025
59%pass first time (all 2015 cars: 72%)
7,600typical miles a year
5.1×the usual rate for number plate lights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2015 Citroen DS4s than on all cars registered in 2015.

  • Number plate lights5.1× usual
    Citroen DS4
    21% All 2015 cars
    4.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 1.2% of all 2015 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.

  • Brake discs1.8× usual
    Citroen DS4
    22.8% All 2015 cars
    13%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.9% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At 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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints4.9× usual
    Citroen DS4
    10.3% All 2015 cars
    2.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 1.2% of all 2015 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.

  • Coil springs2.2× usual
    Citroen DS4
    11.9% All 2015 cars
    5.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 3% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At 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.

  • Headlight aim2.4× usual
    Citroen DS4
    6.2% All 2015 cars
    2.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.6% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

By area

The share of 2015 Citroen DS4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    37% 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.

  • Brakes
    32% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    27% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    10% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

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
20142,120Tyres 38%
20133,339Suspension 42%
20122,067Suspension 43%
2011962Suspension 48%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2015 Citroen DS4s registered in 2015. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score