DS

DS Ds7 (2018)

457 real MOT outcomes analysed • 86.8% first-time pass rate

2018 DS Ds7

CarHunch analysed 457 real MOT records for the 2018 DS Ds7. 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

Moderate sample. 457 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2018 DS DS7 passes its MOT first time at 86.8%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, but the troubling finding is that nearly 30% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—well above the acceptable threshold. Petrol models perform slightly better at 87.9% pass rate versus diesel at 84.4%, suggesting the diesel variants may warrant closer inspection before purchase.

These cars are running relatively light at 37,600 miles median for their age, which helps explain the strong pass rate, yet they're still averaging nearly six advisories per test, signalling emerging wear issues that need watching. When you're viewing one, ask the seller for full MOT history and specifically check whether any dangerous defects were recorded—nearly one in three of these cars has had at least one.

The 2018 DS Ds7 has a decent first-time pass rate (86.8%), 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
86.8%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
29.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.88
Over 5.8 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
38k
Middle half: 29k–47k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 86.8% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 5.7 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 457 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 457 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 43.9%
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 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 27.4%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Rear 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 11.9%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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 457 DS Ds7 cars.

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Before you buy a 2018 DS Ds7

Based on MOT data from 457 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 29.1% 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 (69%) 315 87.9% 0.79
Diesel (31%) 142 84.4% 1.08

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,803 DS Ds7 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 37.4%
675
Black 24.2%
436
White 15.3%
276
Red 10.7%
193
Blue 7.5%
136
Brown 3.3%
59
Gold 1.6%
28

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 DS Ds7 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.

37,622
typical
28,899
low mileage
47,217
high mileage

Half of all 2018 DS Ds7 vehicles fall between 28,899 and 47,217 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 28,899 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.
28,899–47,217 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 DS Ds7s sit.
Over 63,742 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 Ds7 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 DS Ds7s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 424 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 97% of the peak.

416 424 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

5.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.88
Avg failures per vehicle
5.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — DS Ds7: All Ds7 years → Which year to buy? →
2019 2020 2021

Or browse all models: DS →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2018 DS Ds7 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing