DS DS4
Registered from 2008 to 2026.
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.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2016 1.6 diesel. 424 of 1,994 tests failed, 21%.
Better than 8% of 2016 cars. The typical one fails 13%, across 899 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Body and structure | 35% | 147 |
| Tyres and wheels | 29% | 121 |
| Brakes | 25% | 105 |
| Lights and electrics | 24% | 100 |
| Suspension | 23% | 98 |
| Visibility | 11% | 48 |
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
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
- A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
Where it stands out against its peers
- Body and structure: failed more often than 97% of 2016 cars — 35% of its 424 failed tests, where an ordinary 2016 car has 5%.
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.
- Tyres and wheels — 29% of its failures
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- Brakes — 25% of its failures
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Suspension — 23% of its failures
- A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
- Lights and electrics — 24% 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 — 35% of its failures
- Visibility — 11% of its failures
- Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
When it starts failing
At 100–120k miles this one fails 24% of its inspections, against the 19% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–40k miles | 17% | 10% | 307 | |
| 40–60k miles | 22% | 13% | 823 | |
| 60–80k miles | 19% | 16% | 512 | |
| 80–100k miles | 29% | 18% | 241 | |
| 100–120k miles | 24% | 19% | 62 |
1,945 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 40k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1.6 diesel · 1365 kg · 2612 mm wheelbase · 3.8 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2017 | 1.6 diesel · 117 hp · 1373 kg · 2612 mm wheelbase · 3.8 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 1.6 diesel · 116 hp · 1423 kg · 2612 mm wheelbase · 3.9 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2015 | 1.6 diesel · 116 hp · 1435 kg · 2612 mm wheelbase · 3.9 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00420/22
The thread on the housing of the towing eye has the wrong dimensions and the eye cannot be screwed the required 7 to 8 turns. When towed, the vehicle can get disconnected from the vehicle towing it, posing a risk to the following traffic. 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
A12/00794/23
The subframe may be incorrectly bolted in place, which can result in a loss of vehicle stability, increasing the risk of an accident. 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
A12/00817/22
The head airbags are improperly installed, which causes an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. 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
A12/01875/23
A software error in the engine control unit prevents the malfunction indicator light (MIL) from switching on if the urea injector stops working. This can lead to higher emissions and poses 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
A12/02927/23
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
SR/00370/26
Vehicles fitted with a DV5R engine may experience a fuel leak. The non-conformity of the round shape on the cone of the common rail may cause the nut to loosen, resulting in the possibility of fuel leaking between the nut and the thread, leading to fuel vapours and fuel flow into the hot exhaust system. This may lead to a fire under the bonnet. 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
SR/00560/25
Due to a weakness in the crimping interface of the quick coupling connector fitted to the high-pressure fuel pump, a leak may occur in the fuel pipe within the engine compartment. This can result in the vehicle catching fire. 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
6 more campaigns have been filed against this model. A dealer can check by VIN which apply to one car.