2020 DS DS 3 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 79.2% of DS DS 3s first used in 2020 passed their MOT first time, against 86.0% for all cars first used in 2020. Across 3,622 DS 3 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen), suspension and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for DS DS 3s first used in 2020 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2020 DS DS 3 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, DS 3s first used in 2020 against all cars first used in 2020 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the DS 3 figure was 6.8 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2020 DS 3 | All cars first used 2020 | DS 3 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | fewer than 500 tests | 84.7% | — |
| 2022 | fewer than 500 tests | 90.2% | 45 |
| 2023 | 82.4% | 87.7% | 1,221 |
| 2024 | 81.3% | 86.9% | 1,206 |
| 2025 | 79.2% | 86.0% | 1,195 |
Common 2020 DS DS 3 MOT failures
Share of the 689 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 34.5% | 238 |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 12.5% | 86 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 12.2% | 84 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2020 DS DS 3 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Wipers and windscreen. Worth checking that the wipers clear the screen cleanly, that the washers work, and that there are no chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2020 DS DS 3 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2020 DS 3s, as a share of all 3,622 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 15.2% | 549 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 13.9% | 503 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 9.8% | 355 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 6.6% | 240 |
| Brake discs: worn, but not excessively | 3.7% | 133 |
Questions about the 2020 DS DS 3 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2020 DS DS 3?
In 2025, 79.2% of DS 3s first used in 2020 passed their MOT first time, against 86.0% for all cars first used in 2020. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2020 DS 3 most often fail its MOT on?
Visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (in 39.3% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (22.1%) and brakes (19.9%). The single most common item was “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively” (34.5%).
How often does a 2020 DS DS 3 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 20.8% of first tests on DS 3s first used in 2020 did not pass first time: 17.2% failed, and a further 3.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 689 of 3,622 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2020 DS DS 3 MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 15.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (13.9%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (9.8%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (6.6%) and “Brake discs: worn, but not excessively” (3.7%).
Is a 2020 DS DS 3 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 82.4% in 2023 to 79.2% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2020
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2020 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2020 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2020 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2020 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2020 MINI Hatch MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2020 DS 3?
The numbers above cover every DS 3 first used in 2020 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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