Citroen DS4 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Citroen DS4?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  Cars registered 2012–2016 · 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol

  The 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in the engine oil (a “wet belt”). It can break down early and shed rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some also burn too much oil. Stellantis now covers earlier engines for belt and oil-burning problems for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, as long as the car has been serviced on schedule.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history showing the right oil, and when the belt was last checked or changed. Check the oil level on the dipstick, and that no oil-pressure or engine warning light stays on.

  Source: Parkers: Stellantis wet belt compensation, and the cars at risk, Stellantis: compensation policy for earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines (7 May 2025)

Common Citroen DS4 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  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.

• Number plate lights

  up to 4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

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

• Engine warning light

  up to 3.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 2.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Individual direction indicators

  up to 2.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Diesel

• Number plate lights

  up to 5.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  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) joints

  up to 5.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  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 joint

  up to 2.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  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.

• Headlight aim

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

  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.

• Coil springs

  up to 2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  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.

• Brake discs

  up to 1.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  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.

Citroen DS4 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2012 Citroen DS4 did best (54% passed first time, 10 points below all 2012 cars) and the 2013 did worst (54%, 13 points below all 2013 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Citroen DS4

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

1. When was the timing belt last checked or changed, and has it had the right oil at every service? Is the car still within Stellantis’ extended PureTech cover?
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the Citroen DS4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the Citroen DS4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the Citroen DS4 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?