DS DS3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The DS DS3 is a supermini. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 63 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 439 of 442, and 32.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is joints (6.9% of tests).
Ranked 439 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 30 of 31 superminis
In 2024, 33,332 DS DS3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 32.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the DS DS3 is 59% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 17.1% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
32.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
17.1%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,300
Typical age at test: 7 years
DS DS3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common DS DS3 MOT faults
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.9% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken4.6% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.4% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.0% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8% of tests
What the DS DS3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.1% | ▲ 2.0× as often |
| Body and structure | 8.8% | ▲ 6.8× as often |
| Suspension | 7.3% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Tyres | 7.0% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Visibility | 6.3% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Brakes | 5.1% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Steering | 2.1% | ▲ 2.2× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.9% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.3% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | About average |
What MPG does the DS DS3 do?
Official economy for the DS DS3 ranges from 50.4 to 83.1mpg across the 27 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2015–2019). A typical petrol version manages 61.4mpg and a typical diesel 80.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a DS DS3?
Any DS DS3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A DS DS3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £170 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carDS DS3 specs and running costs
Official figures for 27 versions sold in the UK between 2015 and 2019.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
50.4–83.1 mpg
CO2
87–129 g/km
Power
60–155 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS3 Crossback BlueHDi 100 Manual102 PS · M6 · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| DS3 PureTech 110 S&S Auto60 PS · A6 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| DS3 Cabriolet PureTech 110 S&S Auto60 PS · A6 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| DS3 Crossback PureTech 100 Manual101 PS · M6 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| DS3 Crossback PureTech 130 Automatic131 PS · A8 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| DS3 Crossback PureTech 155 Automatic155 PS · A8 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – |
| DS3 BlueHDi 100 S&SM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 83.1 mpg | 87g | £200 |
| DS3 BlueHDi 120 S&SM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 94g | £200 |
| DS3 Cabriolet BlueHDi 100 S&SM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 80.7 mpg | 92g | £200 |
| DS3 PureTech 110 S&SM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 65.7 mpg | 100g | £200 |
| DS3 PureTech 110 S&S EAT6A6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 61.4 mpg | 105g | £200 |
| DS3 THP 210 S&SM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| DS3 PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 (from 07/18)A6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 119g | £200 |
| DS3 Cabriolet PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 (from 07/18)A6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 126g | £200 |
| DS3 Cabriolet BlueHDi 120 S&SM6 · listed 2017 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 94g | £200 |
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 27 versions.
What a DS DS3 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 61.4mpg…
- diesel, typical official 80.7mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a DS DS3Buying a used DS DS3?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the DS DS3 with other superminis
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other DS models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the DS DS3 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the DS DS3 is 59% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 63 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the DS DS3?
The most common MOT fault is “Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt”, found in 6.9% of tests. It fails on body and structure and steering more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the DS DS3 do?
Official economy for the DS DS3 ranges from 50.4 to 83.1mpg across the 27 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2015–2019). A typical petrol version manages 61.4mpg and a typical diesel 80.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a DS DS3?
Any DS DS3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A DS DS3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £170 a year.
›How many DS DS3s fail their MOT?
32.1% of DS DS3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 17.1% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the DS 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.