DS

DS Ds5 (2018)

114 real MOT outcomes analysed • 86.4% first-time pass rate

2018 DS Ds5

CarHunch analysed 114 real MOT records for the 2018 DS Ds5. 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 Compare Models

The 2018 DS DS5 passes its first MOT 6.4 percentage points above the UK average at 86.4%, suggesting better-than-average reliability for its age—though the 27.2% rate of dangerous defects is a material concern and notably high, suggesting buyers should factor in potential safety-critical repairs. At a median mileage of 32,849 miles, these cars have been relatively well looked after, yet the average vehicle still racks up 0.93 failures and 5.0 advisories per test, pointing to routine wear in suspension, lighting, and emissions systems rather than catastrophic issues.

When shopping for a 2018 DS5, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on brake condition, exhaust emissions, and steering components—these defect patterns are where the cohort stumbles most often. The high dangerous defect rate means past MOT history is essential; ask the seller for all test records and budget for at least one serious fix in the first 12 months of ownership.

We have limited data for the 2018 DS Ds5 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ 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
86.4%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
27.2%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.93
Over 6 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
33k
Middle half: 25k–49k
For context

These stats describe 114 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 114 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 53.8%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 31.3%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 12.8%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt · Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · …
Wipers & washers 8.5%
Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 114 DS Ds5 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2018 DS Ds5

Based on MOT data from 114 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 27.2% 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
Diesel (97%) 111 86.4% 0.94

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 DS Ds5 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.

32,849
typical
24,899
low mileage
48,509
high mileage

Half of all 2018 DS Ds5 vehicles fall between 24,899 and 48,509 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 24,899 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.
24,899–48,509 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 DS Ds5s sit.
Over 65,487 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 DS Ds5 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 DS Ds5s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 110 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 97% of the peak.

109 110 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.93
Avg failures per vehicle
5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — DS Ds5: All Ds5 years → Which year to buy? →
2015 2016 2017

Or browse all models: DS →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2018 DS Ds5 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing