2010 Citroen DS3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Citroen DS3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Citroen DS3 than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.4× usual
  Citroen DS3

  15.4% All 2010 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 2.2% of all 2010 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.

• Exhaust system2.6× usual
  Citroen DS3

  17.9% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Citroen DS3

  13.6% All 2010 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.5% 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) 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.

• Brake discs1.6× usual
  Citroen DS3

  22.4% All 2010 cars

  14.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.2% of all 2010 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Citroen DS3

  17.4% All 2010 cars

  10.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 4.3% of all 2010 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2010 Citroen DS3 MOT failures and advisories

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.

• Suspension
  47% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% 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
  35% 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 emissions
  20% 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 leaks
  17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Citroen DS3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2010 Citroen DS3 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2010 Citroen DS3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2010 Citroen DS3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?