Used car guide

2020 DS DS3: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 DS DS3s, from 1,194 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,194MOT tests in 2025
79%pass first time (all 2020 cars: 86%)
7,000typical miles a year
2.5×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2020 DS DS3s than on all cars registered in 2020.

  • Brake discs2.5× usual
    DS DS3
    22.1% All 2020 cars
    9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.4% of all 2020 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.

  • Link ball joint covers63× usual
    DS DS3
    6.3% All 2020 cars
    0.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 0.1% of all 2020 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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints6.8× usual
    DS DS3
    3.4% All 2020 cars
    0.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.2% of all 2020 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.

By area

The share of 2020 DS DS3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    31% 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
    27% 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.

  • Suspension
    13% 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.

  • 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Seats and seatbelts
    3% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Looking at a DS DS3?

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

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022729Tyres 24%
2021912Tyres 24%
20192,516Tyres 30%
20183,439Tyres 36%
20177,187Tyres 34%
201611,532Tyres 32%
20156,328Suspension 34%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2020 DS DS3s registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score