DS Ds5 MOT Failures
An analysis of 3,430 real DVSA MOT tests on the DS Ds5 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: DS5_Gen1 (2015–2019).
Where the DS Ds5 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the DS Ds5 is transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... — this model is 14 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 3,430 MOT tests, 4.01% of all DS Ds5 tests recorded this as a failure.
Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.
The failures span 2 categories: Bodywork, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a DS Ds5 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that DS Ds5 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
CV joint boot deterioration (DS5_Gen1) Major
The constant velocity joint boots on DS5 transmission shafts deteriorate at rates significantly above the fleet average. Affects DS5_Gen1; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
Brake disc premature wear (DS5_Gen1) Major
The 1.6L diesel DS5 shows brake disc failure at 2.4 times the fleet average in the 20-40k mile range, with discs becoming excessively weakened or fractured. Affects DS5_Gen1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£350.
DPF blockage and regeneration issues (DS5_Gen1) Major
Both diesel engines in the DS5 use diesel particulate filters which are prone to blockage in urban driving conditions. Affects DS5_Gen1; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£2,000.
Fluid leakage from engine bay (DS5_Gen1)
The 1.6L diesel DS5 shows excessive fluid leakage at MOT testers categorise this as environmental or safety risk leakage, suggesting significant oil or coolant loss rather than minor seepage. Affects DS5_Gen1; typical independent garage repair cost is £100–£400.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full DS Ds5 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a DS Ds5
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a DS Ds5:
Bodywork — check for transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot.... Lights & Electrics — check for rear registration plate lamp or light source mi....
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about cv joint boot deterioration and brake disc premature wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £150. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific DS Ds5?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
DS Ds5 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a DS Ds5?
Based on 3,430 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... — at 14x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include rear registration plate lamp or light source mi....
Is the DS Ds5 reliable based on MOT data?
The DS Ds5 has 2 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag cv joint boot deterioration as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
The most common high-mileage failures include transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot..., rear registration plate lamp or light source mi....
How do I check a DS Ds5's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.