2011 Citroen DS4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Citroen DS4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Citroen DS4 than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Number plate lights2.8× usual
  Citroen DS4

  21.1% All 2011 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2.2% of all 2011 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) joints3.1× usual
  Citroen DS4

  12.9% All 2011 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2% of all 2011 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 joint2.3× usual
  Citroen DS4

  12.9% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 3.1% of all 2011 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.

• Individual direction indicators2.7× usual
  Citroen DS4

  8.2% All 2011 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Track rod ends1.7× usual
  Citroen DS4

  8% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.4% 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) 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.

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 2011 Citroen DS4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Citroen DS4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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 electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  39% 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
  33% 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
  9% 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 2011 Citroen DS4

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

1. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2011 Citroen DS4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2011 Citroen DS4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2011 Citroen DS4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?