Citroen DS4
Registered from 2008 to 2023.
About this model
The DS 4 is a compact hatchback, and it is the second model in the luxury DS sub-brand created by Citroën, now an independent brand. Starting in 2021, it is currently in its second generation, which is based on an all-new EMP2 platform shared with the Opel Astra L and Peugeot 308 III. As of 2023, it is currently slotted above the DS 3 and below the DS 7 Crossback.
From the Wikipedia article DS 4, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The manufacturer has told owners of one of these to stop driving until the repair is done.
- The airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2013 1.6 diesel. 982 of 3,429 tests failed, 29%.
Better than 4% of 2013 cars. The typical one fails 19%, across 828 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 42% | 413 |
| Lights and electrics | 35% | 345 |
| Body and structure | 34% | 331 |
| Brakes | 28% | 278 |
| Tyres and wheels | 27% | 266 |
| Visibility | 11% | 109 |
The defects inspectors cite
- A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
- A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
- A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
Where it stands out against its peers
- Body and structure: failed more often than 95% of 2013 cars — 34% of its 982 failed tests, where an ordinary 2013 car has 8%.
Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.
NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Suspension — 42% of its failures
- A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- Brakes — 28% of its failures
- Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
- Tyres and wheels — 27% of its failures
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- Lights and electrics — 35% of its failures
- A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
- Body and structure — 34% of its failures
- Visibility — 11% of its failures
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
When it starts failing
At 140–160k miles this one fails 36% of its inspections, against the 24% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–40k miles | 26% | 12% | 58 | |
| 40–60k miles | 25% | 16% | 366 | |
| 60–80k miles | 28% | 20% | 974 | |
| 80–100k miles | 29% | 22% | 1,017 | |
| 100–120k miles | 29% | 24% | 614 | |
| 120–140k miles | 33% | 24% | 286 | |
| 140–160k miles | 36% | 24% | 72 |
3,387 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 80k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1.6 diesel · 116 hp · 1387 kg · 2612 mm wheelbase · 4.0 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2015 | 1.6 diesel · 113 hp · 1395 kg · 2612 mm wheelbase · 4.1 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2014 | 1.6 diesel · 111 hp · 1393 kg · 2592 mm wheelbase · 4.3 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2013 | 1.6 diesel · 111 hp · 1423 kg · 2614 mm wheelbase · 4.4 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2012 | 1.6 diesel · 109 hp · 1414 kg · 2611 mm wheelbase · 4.4 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2011 | 1.6 diesel · 109 hp · 1404 kg · 2571 mm wheelbase · 4.5 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
- Do not drive
SR/02976/25
The airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Request to stop driving
A12/01042/21
The vacuum pump may be damaged by certain materials resulting from chemical corrosion of the timing belt associated with degraded oil.That can lead to reduction or loss of braking assistance, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not meet the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01043/21
The propellant airbag inflator may experience a material alteration over time due to degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high-temperature cycling. In the event of an airbag being deployed, the excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the occupants. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01186/21
The teeth of the timing belt may wear off prematurely due to excessive dynamic tension in dusty conditions. As a result, the engine may stall at high engine speeds and not being able to restart, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not meet the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01369/21
The propellant airbag inflator may experience a material alteration over time due to degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high-temperature cycling. In the event of an airbag being deployed, the excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the occupants. The product does not meet the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/02927/23
Due to an error in the specific calibration software of the electronic engine control unit (ECU), an incorrect value may be given when the data are processed by the vehicle. This may result in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that are above the regulatory limits. Excessive NOx emissions pose a risk to the environment. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/03128/23
The structure of the inflator in the front driver and passenger airbags can deteriorate. If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/0396/17
The cable of the catch inside the bonnet may be insufficiently secured. As a result, the bonnet might open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, which could cause an accident.
Recall of the product from end users
3 more campaigns have been filed against this model. A dealer can check by VIN which apply to one car.