Does the DS 3 fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?
The DS 3 records 9.38 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 6.53 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+2.85, 95% interval +2.78 to +2.93). It ranks 82 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a DS 3 by registration
What exactly fails on visibility?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the DS 3 is “Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen”, recorded 20,518 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 20,518 | 3.25 |
| Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 15,626 | 2.47 |
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 10,317 | 1.63 |
| Wiper blade defective | 8,751 | 1.38 |
| Obligatory mirror or device slightly damaged or loose | 1,627 | 0.26 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 632,064 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a DS 3 gets a visibility advisory, how often does it fail next time?
11.5% of DS 3 MOTs with a visibility advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 5,004 miles later (628 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 628 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
DS 3 2010 · DS 3 2011 · DS 3 2012 · DS 3 2013 · DS 3 2014 · DS 3 2015 · DS 3 2016 · DS 3 2017 · DS 3 2018 · DS 3 2019 · DS 3 2020 · DS 3 in Finland · DS 3 in the Netherlands · DS 3 by postcode area · DS 3 body, chassis and structure failures · DS 3 brakes failures · DS 3 vehicle identification failures · DS 3 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · DS 3 noise, emissions and leaks failures · DS 3 road wheels failures · DS 3 seat belts and airbags failures · DS 3 steering failures · DS 3 suspension failures · DS 3 tyres failures