MOT failure data · 2025
DS DS3 MOT problems
Across every DS DS3 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was coil spring fractured or broken, on 12.99% of failure items. The broadest problem area was suspension at 20.77%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common DS DS3 MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring fractured or broken | Suspension | 12.99% |
| 2 | Joints constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Body, chassis, structure | 11.47% |
| 3 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 5.95% |
| 4 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.31% |
| 5 | Track rod end ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 3.82% |
| 6 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 3.81% |
| 7 | Brake discs significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.22% |
| 8 | Headlamp not working on dipped beam | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.17% |
| 9 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.15% |
| 10 | Ball joint ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.83% |
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 DS 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 DS DS3 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific DS DS3?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other DS models
DS DS3 MOT FAQs
What does a DS DS3 most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on DS DS3 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "coil spring fractured or broken", appearing on 12.99% of failure items.
Does this mean my DS DS3 will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every DS DS3 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The DS DS3 passed 72.16% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific DS 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: DS DS3 MOT pass rate · used DS 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.