MOT failure data · 2025
Citroen DS3 MOT problems
Across every Citroen DS3 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was coil spring fractured or broken, on 11.22% of failure items. The broadest problem area was lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment at 22.18%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Citroen DS3 MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring fractured or broken | Suspension | 11.22% |
| 2 | Joints constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Body, chassis, structure | 9.31% |
| 3 | Track rod end ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 5.6% |
| 4 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.94% |
| 5 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 3.89% |
| 6 | Ball joint ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.33% |
| 7 | Headlamp not working on dipped beam | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.84% |
| 8 | Brake discs significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.56% |
| 9 | Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.48% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.36% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Citroen DS3, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Citroen DS3 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Citroen DS3?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Citroen models
- Citroen C3 MOT problems
- Citroen Berlingo MOT problems
- Citroen C4 MOT problems
- Citroen C1 MOT problems
- Citroen Dispatch MOT problems
- Citroen C5 MOT problems
Citroen DS3 MOT FAQs
What does a Citroen DS3 most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Citroen DS3 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "coil spring fractured or broken", appearing on 11.22% of failure items.
Does this mean my Citroen DS3 will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Citroen DS3 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Citroen DS3 passed 60.51% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Citroen DS3's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Citroen DS3 MOT pass rate · used Citroen DS3 buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.