DS

DS Ds3 (2017)

7,253 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82.4% first-time pass rate

2017 DS Ds3

CarHunch analysed 7,253 real MOT records for the 2017 DS Ds3. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2017 DS DS3 passes its MOT slightly above the UK average at 82.4%, suggesting decent baseline reliability, but the 27.5% of vehicles that have recorded a dangerous defect is a genuine concern for buyers—that's well above the danger threshold and worth investigating pre-purchase. Petrol models edge ahead of diesel with an 82.9% pass rate versus 80.5%, a modest but consistent advantage.

At just over 33,000 miles median for a seven-year-old car, these DS3s are running relatively low mileage, which masks what could be minor wear issues yet to emerge. The average vehicle racks up 1.51 failures and 8.8 advisories per test, indicating minor niggles are common; budget for regular small fixes and always get a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on the brake and electrical systems, where dangerous defects typically cluster.

The 2017 DS Ds3 has a decent first-time pass rate (82.4%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
82.4%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
27.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.51
Over 7.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
33k
Middle half: 24k–43k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 8.8 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 7,253 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 7,253 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 45.4%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 31.2%
Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 13.4%
Oil leak, but not excessive

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2017.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 7,253 DS Ds3 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2017 DS Ds3

Based on MOT data from 7,253 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 27.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (81%) 5,893 82.9% 1.47
Diesel (19%) 1,358 80.5% 1.7

Colour Breakdown

Based on 34,026 DS Ds3 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 26.2%
8,921
Black 21.3%
7,245
Grey 13.7%
4,654
Blue 9.9%
3,381
Purple 9%
3,049
Red 8.7%
2,973
Yellow 4%
1,373
Green 3.2%
1,073
Silver 2.8%
967
Cream 0.8%
258
Gold 0.4%
132

Mileage Distribution

Most 2017 DS Ds3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

33,076
typical
24,295
low mileage
42,553
high mileage

Half of all 2017 DS Ds3 vehicles fall between 24,295 and 42,553 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 24,295 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
24,295–42,553 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2017 DS Ds3s sit.
Over 57,446 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2017 DS Ds3 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2017 DS Ds3s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 6,808 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 97% of the peak.

7,008 6,808 2020 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2020–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

7.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.51
Avg failures per vehicle
8.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — DS Ds3: All Ds3 years → Which year to buy? →
2015 2016 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Or browse all models: DS →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2017 DS Ds3 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing