Citroen DS3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Citroen DS3 is a supermini. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 69 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 428 of 442, and 48.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is joints (11.0% of tests).
Ranked 428 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 28 of 31 superminis
In 2024, 72,075 Citroen DS3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 48.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Citroen DS3 is 45% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
48.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,500
Typical age at test: 11 years
Citroen DS3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Citroen DS3 MOT faults
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt11.0% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken9.8% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.5% of tests
- Position lamp: not working6.4% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam4.7% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.0% of tests
What the Citroen DS3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.0% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Suspension | 16.7% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Body and structure | 15.7% | ▲ 4.3× as often |
| Tyres | 9.2% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Brakes | 8.2% | 1.1× as often |
| Steering | 7.1% | ▲ 2.8× as often |
| Visibility | 6.6% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5.3% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.9% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Wheels | 0.7% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
What MPG does the Citroen DS3 do?
Official economy for the Citroen DS3 ranges from 42.2 to 83.1mpg across the 42 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2015). A typical petrol version manages 47.9mpg and a typical diesel 78.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Citroen DS3?
Any Citroen DS3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Citroen DS3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £275 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carCitroen DS3 specs and running costs
Official figures for 42 versions sold in the UK between 2012 and 2015.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
42.2–83.1 mpg
CO2
87–155 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS3 BlueHDi 100M5 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 83.1 mpg | 87g | £20 |
| DS3 BlueHDi 120M6 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 94g | £20 |
| DS3 Cabriolet BlueHDi 120M6 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 94g | £20 |
| DS3 PureTech 110 S&SM5 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 60.1 mpg | 107g | £20 |
| DS3 PureTech 110 S&S EAT6A6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 60.1 mpg | 108g | £20 |
| DS3 THP 165 S&SM6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 129g | £170 |
| DS3 Cabriolet PureTech 110 S&SM5 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 60.1 mpg | 107g | £20 |
| DS3 Cabriolet THP 165 S&SM6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 129g | £170 |
| DS3 e-HDi 90 Airdream DStyle 91gManual · listed 2014 | Diesel | 80.7 mpg | 91g | £20 |
| DS3 e-HDi 90 AirdreamManual · listed 2014 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 95g | £20 |
| DS3 Cabrio e-HDi 90 AirdreamManual · listed 2014 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 95g | £20 |
| DS3 e-HDi 115 AirdreamManual · listed 2014 | Diesel | 74.3 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| DS3 VTi 82Manual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 62.8 mpg | 104g | £20 |
| DS3 VTi 82 DSign & DSign Noire by BenefitManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 61.4 mpg | 107g | £20 |
| DS3 Cabrio VTi 82Manual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 112g | £35 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 42 versions.
What a Citroen DS3 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 47.9mpg…
- diesel, typical official 78.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Citroen DS3Buying a used Citroen DS3?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Citroen DS3 with other superminis
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Citroen models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Citroen DS3 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Citroen DS3 is 45% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 69 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Citroen DS3?
The most common MOT fault is “Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt”, found in 11.0% of tests. It fails on body and structure and steering more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Citroen DS3 do?
Official economy for the Citroen DS3 ranges from 42.2 to 83.1mpg across the 42 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2015). A typical petrol version manages 47.9mpg and a typical diesel 78.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Citroen DS3?
Any Citroen DS3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Citroen DS3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £275 a year.
›How many Citroen DS3s fail their MOT?
48.0% of Citroen DS3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Citroen DS3 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.