2010 · 14 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2010 Citroen DS3 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,842 MOT tests in 2024. 49.7% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time49.7%
Failed or needed repairs50.3%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,842 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.8%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play7.5%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.9%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.6%
  5. Stop lamp: not working4.5%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.8%
    227 marked dangerous
  7. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.1%
  9. Washers: not working2.8%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics31.3%
  2. Suspension24.6%
  3. Body & chassis18.0%
  4. Brakes15.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.5%
  6. Tyres9.9%
  7. Steering8.8%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.2%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened18.1%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.5%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened10.1%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2010 Citroen DS3 cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 13)50.5%4,253 tests
2024 pass rate (age 14)49.7%3,842 tests
Change in one year−0.8 pointsaverage car: −0.9 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2010 Citroen DS3 is ageing about the same as an average car.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All DS3 years2011 DS3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 Citroen DS3?

In 2024, 49.7% of 2010 Citroen DS3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,842 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 Citroen DS3?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2010 Citroen DS3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2010 Citroen DS3 getting worse with age?

In 2023, 50.5% passed first time. In 2024, 49.7% passed (−0.8 points). An average car that age changed by −0.9 points, so the 2010 Citroen DS3 is ageing about the same as average.