Most Reliable Ds Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 42,430 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Ds models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
42,430 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Ds model from 2012-2022
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Ds DS7
84.3% pass rate
Best Single Year
DS7 2019 Petrol
86.9% pass rate
Ds vs National Average
71.4% vs 71.4%
-0.1% below average
Durability Champion
N/A
N/A
Ds sits near the middle of UK manufacturer rankings. We analysed 42,430 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to identify which Ds models outperform the brand average and which to avoid.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Ds models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Ds Compares to Rivals
Ds ranks #132 out of 180 manufacturers with a 71.4% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 73.8% | #115 | 1,637,457 |
| Volkswagen | 71.9% | #129 | 3,034,850 |
| Ds | 71.4% | #132 | 42,430 |
| Nissan | 68.6% | #142 | 1,626,183 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #143 | 4,473,074 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #155 | 3,052,659 |
The verdict: Toyota maintains a lead among competitors, while Ds sits at #132.
Best Ds Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Ds's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS7 | 84.3% | +12.9% | 3,038 | 2017-2022 |
| DS5 | 75.8% | +4.4% | 1,379 | 2015-2019 |
| DS3 | 70.0% | -1.4% | 32,993 | 2012-2022 |
| DS4 | 69.6% | -1.8% | 4,549 | 2013-2022 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Ds DS3: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The DS3 has 32,993 tests in our database with an overall 70.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 83.1% | -4.6% | 994 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 83.9% | -2.3% | 2,334 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 75.9% | -8.3% | 2,861 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 75.5% | -8.7% | 596 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 73.5% | -8.2% | 5,894 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 69.8% | -11.9% | 1,378 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 70.9% | -7.7% | 7,848 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 61.8% | -16.8% | 3,998 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 65.6% | -9.9% | 3,720 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 53.3% | -22.2% | 2,897 |
| ... | ||||
| 2015 | Diesel | 53.3% | -22.2% | 2,897 |
DS3 verdict: Avoid the 2015 diesel (53.3%).
Avoid the 2015 DS3
The 2015 diesel DS3 has a 53.3% pass rate, well below the national average.
Ds Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Ds. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 91.6% | +20.2% | 167 |
| Electric | 88.2% | +16.8% | 433 |
| Petrol | 73.8% | +2.4% | 26,096 |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 73.3% | +1.9% | 30 |
| Diesel | 66.6% | -4.8% | 15,704 |
The hybrid advantage: Ds hybrids pass MOTs 18% more often than petrols and 25% more often than diesels.
Ds Models to Avoid
Not all Dss are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS3 | 2015 | Diesel | 53.3% | 2,897 |
| DS3 | 2016 | Diesel | 61.8% | 3,998 |
| DS4 | 2015 | Diesel | 62.8% | 752 |
| DS3 | 2017 | Diesel | 69.8% | 1,377 |
| DS4 | 2016 | Diesel | 68.3% | 1,848 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2015-2017 diesel DS3s, 2015-2016 diesel DS4s are the models that drag down Ds's average. These models have significantly higher failure rates than average.
What Goes Wrong on Dss?
When Dss fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3,993 |
| 2. Body, chassis, structure | 2,889 |
| 3. Tyres | 2,861 |
| 4. Visibility | 2,821 |
| 5. Suspension | 2,318 |
| 6. Brakes | 1,921 |
| 7. Noise, emissions and leaks | 646 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Ds owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- DS7 2019 Petrol: 87% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- Limited proven durability data available
Ds Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- No major proven reliability concerns
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 42,430 tests on Ds vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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