Citroën DS3 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
140–211 PS
1.6L THP Benzin
French hot hatch with bite
Legendary!140–211 PS
1.6L THP Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Citroën DS3 1 is available with 8 engine variants — from 75 to 211 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Citroën 1.6L BlueHDi 120 (Diesel, 114–120 PS) has the DV6-BlueHDi120 (1.6L BlueHDi 120) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.6L HDi 109 (Diesel, 111–116 PS) has the DV6-109 (1.6L HDi 109) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.6L HDi 92 (Diesel, 92–99 PS) has the DV6-92 (1.6L HDi 92) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.2L PureTech 130 (Petrol, 131 PS) has the EB2-DTS (1.2L PureTech 130) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.2L PureTech Turbo (Petrol, 110 PS) has the EB2-DT (1.2L PureTech Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.4L VTi (Petrol, 95–98 PS) has the EP3 (1.4L VTi) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.6L THP (Petrol, 150–208 PS) comes with 3 different engines: EP6-THP (2010–2019, Stay Away!) and EP6-THP (2010–2019, Stay Away!) and EP6-THP (2016–2019, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L THP!
The Citroën 1.6L VTi (Petrol, 120 PS) has the EP6-VTi (1.6L VTi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
Explore more
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Window regulator faulty Electric window regulators are one of the most common failure points on the DS3 I. Cables snap or motors fail, typically from 60,000–80,000 km. The costly replacement module usually has to be replaced as a complete unit. Symptoms: Window does not move, rattling or clicking when raising/lowering, glass drops into the door, clicking sound during operation from 70,000 km | Low | |
| Headlight condensation DS3 models with xenon headlights in particular develop condensation inside the headlight housing from around 50,000 km due to leaking rubber seals. This impairs light output and results in MOT failures. Symptoms: Misting or water pooling visible in the headlight, uneven light distribution, MOT rejection due to insufficient light output from 50,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 56 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën DS3 1 (2010–2019) — 50 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 7 problem engines: EP6-VTi (1.6L VTi), EP6-THP (1.6L THP), EB2-DT (1.2L PureTech Turbo), EB2-DTS (1.2L PureTech 130), DV6-92 (1.6L HDi 92), DV6-109 (1.6L HDi 109), DV6-BlueHDi120 (1.6L BlueHDi 120). Typical issues affect Electronics, HVAC, Rust, Other.
DS3 (DV6-92, 2010–2019) — Stay Away!: VNT turbo: vanes seized by oil coke, Injectors leaking — oil and fuel contaminate turbo, EGR valve blocked: limp mode and starting difficulties. Power: 92–99 PS.
DS3 (DV6-109, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: VNT turbocharger: vanes seized — most common failure, Injectors seized — cylinder head damage possible, EGR cooler leaking — coolant ingress. Power: 111–116 PS.
DS3 (DV6-BlueHDi120, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: AdBlue tank sender faulty — start lockout, Turbocharger actuator faulty — boost pressure loss, EGR system: valve and cooler contaminated. Power: 114–120 PS.
DS3 (EP3, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Faulty chain tensioner — timing chain jumps, Oil consumption from valve stem seals, Thermostat housing failure — coolant loss. Power: 95–98 PS.
DS3 (EP6-VTi, 2010–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain rattle due to tensioner wear, Chain tensioner failure — timing chain rattles, Torn oil separator diaphragm in valve cover. Power: 120 PS.
DS3 (EP6-THP, 2010–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch and camshaft sprocket slippage, Extreme oil consumption from piston ring and valve stem seal wear, Turbocharger failure due to oil supply problems. Power: 150–156 PS.
DS3 (EP6-THP, 2010–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch and camshaft sprocket slippage, Extreme oil consumption from piston ring and valve stem seal wear, Turbocharger failure due to oil supply problems. Power: 165 PS.
DS3 (EB2-DT, 2014–2019) — Stay Away!: Wet belt deterioration in oil bath, Elevated oil consumption from coked piston rings, Turbocharger failure due to oil pressure problems. Power: 110 PS.
DS3 (EP6-THP, 2016–2020) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch and camshaft sprocket slippage, Extreme oil consumption from piston ring and valve stem seal wear, Turbocharger failure due to oil supply problems. Power: 203–208 PS.
DS3 (EB2-DTS, 2016–2019) — Stay Away!: Wet belt deterioration in oil bath, Elevated oil consumption — piston rings, Turbo bearing damage from diluted oil. Power: 131 PS.
What to watch out for with the Citroën DS3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Citroën DS3 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Citroën DS3 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Citroën DS3 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Citroën DS3 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Citroën DS3 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee