DS Ds3 reliability
The DS Ds3 fails its MOT more often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 32.6% of 25,850 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
13 DVSA recalls for the DS Ds3
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
BCM software missing telltale if LKA unavailable
On affected vehicles the Lane Keep Assist tell-tale fails to illuminate if the front camera is blocked meaning no warning light appears in the instrument cluster.
Fix: Update the Body Control Module software.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 76 vehicles
Alternator protection
Affected vehicles may have been assembled with contact or with a reduced clearance between the Gasoline Particulate Filter pipe and the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator. There is a possibility of contact between these components leading to water infiltration and an electrical arch which could trigger a thermal event.
Fix: Replace the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator. Check the distance between the Gasoline Particulate Filter pipe and the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator and re‑position or replace the pipe if required.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 132 vehicles
DS Automobiles DS3 Crossback ESC software
Affected vehicles may have incorrect or missing tyre pressure messages displayed in the instrument cluster due to a software deviation.
Fix: Update the Electric Stability Control calibration to ensure the correct tyre pressure warning messages are displayed
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 3 vehicles
Emission recall – On Board Diagnostics
Vehicles may be affected by incorrect performance of the On-Board-Diagnostics related to Selective Catalytic Reduction system and/or Diesel Particle Filter. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may not illuminate in the event of a malfunction and therefore does not comply with emission regulations.
Fix: Update the Engine Control Unit software to ensure compliance to regulations.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 8 vehicles
DS Automobiles Fuel Pipe
On affected vehicles there may be loose connections between a high-pressure fuel pipe and the engine fuel rail which potentially could lead to a leak and risk of fire.
Fix: Retighten the affected connections.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 217 vehicles
DS Automobiles DV5R Engines Camshaft Chain
Vehicles may be affected by premature wearing of the camshaft drive chain leading to abnormal noise or to a breakage of the chain in the worst case.
Fix: Update the software to improve oil pressure and reduce wear. Check the engine noise and replace the chain if required. If no problem found change the oil to one with higher viscosity and special anti-wear additives.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 514 vehicles
Traction Battery software
Affected vehicles may face an error in the Battery Monitoring Unit software.
Fix: Affected vehicles may face an error in the Battery Monitoring Unit software.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 107 vehicles
DS Automobiles DS3 Crossback eVCU update
Affected vehicles may not comply with test requirements in the matter of emissions test execution by competent authorities and energy consumption may be too high.
Fix: Update the electrical Vehicle Control Unit (eVCU) software.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 18 vehicles
DS Automobiles DS3 DS7 Radio software via OTA update
On affected vehicles the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functionality may not meet regulatory requirements and the Active Emergency Brake (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) can inadvertently be deactivated by a long press of the ADAS button on the radio.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the radio software will be updated by an Over-The-Air update which will be remotely checked as successfully installed.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 15 vehicles
DS3 Crossback Steering Gear Pinion
On affected vehicles the steering rack fitted may not conform to specification and result in an increased force to rotate the steering wheel.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the steering rack will be replaced.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 6 vehicles
Cross carline Engine software
On affected vehicles below 12500 miles under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory requirements.
Fix: Check the mileage of the vehicle and update the ECU (Engine Control Unit) calibration on vehicles below 12500 miles.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 74 vehicles
A fuel pipe could develop a leak in the engine compartment which could lead to a risk of a vehicle fire.
A fuel pipe could develop a leak in the engine compartment which could lead to a risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Check and replace the fuel pipe if necessary.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 15 vehicles
On affected vehicles the AC compressor stator wiring could develop a fault leading to current loss inside the AC compressor that could result in a vehicle powertrain shutdown when driving.
On affected vehicles the AC compressor stator wiring could develop a fault leading to current loss inside the AC compressor that could result in a vehicle powertrain shutdown when driving.�
Fix: Reprogram the Powertrain Diagnosis ECU with updated software.
Recalled models: DS3 CROSSBACK · 2,127 vehicles
Checking a DS Ds3 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.