2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 DS DS3 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,178 MOT tests in 2024. 74.3% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time74.3%
Failed or needed repairs25.7%
Typical mileage at test38,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,178 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.0%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    113 marked dangerous
  5. Washers: not working1.7%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    62 marked dangerous
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn1.5%
  9. Exhaust system: system insecure1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.8%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.7%
  3. Tyres6.9%
  4. Body & chassis5.5%
  5. Brakes5.4%
  6. Suspension3.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks1.3%
  8. Steering0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.5%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.4%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn6.2%

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: headlamp: not working on dipped beam. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 DS DS3?

In 2024, 74.3% of 2018 DS DS3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,178 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 DS DS3?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on dipped beam; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2018 DS DS3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).