2021 DS Ds3 C-Back Pfrmc Ln+ Ptch Ss A — MOT failures & pass rate
453 MOT tests on the 2021 DS Ds3 C-Back Pfrmc Ln+ Ptch Ss A are in this dataset, and 86.3% of them passed. All cars of a similar age fail 8.7% of the time, so this is 5.0pp worse than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in visibility, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — visibility (7.3%) and suspension (4.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are wipers, ball joint and headlamp aim — wipers alone was recorded 35 times.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 19.0% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visibility | 7.3% | 33 |
| 2 | Suspension | 4.6% | 21 |
| 3 | Brakes | 2.2% | 10 |
| 4 | Tyres | 2.2% | 10 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 1.8% | 8 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 1.1% | 5 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wipers | 35 |
| 2 | Ball joint | 13 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 10 |
| 4 | Brake pads | 10 |
| 5 | Brake discs | 7 |
| 6 | Washers | 5 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 19.0% | 86 |
| 2 | Brakes | 18.5% | 84 |
| 3 | Suspension | 7.3% | 33 |
| 4 | Other defects | 5.3% | 24 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 4.2% | 19 |
| 6 | Visibility | 3.8% | 17 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 287 | 10.1% |
| 30-60k | 159 | 20.1% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 220 | 10.0% |
| 2025 | 230 | 17.4% |
What to check before buying a 2021 Ds3 C-Back Pfrmc Ln+ Ptch Ss A
On a 2021 Ds3 C-Back Pfrmc Ln+ Ptch Ss A, visibility is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 7.3% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Visibility (7.3% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
- Suspension (4.6% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (2.2% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2021 DS Ds3 C-Back Pfrmc Ln+ Ptch Ss As pass their MOT?
86.3% of the 453 2021 DS Ds3 C-Back Pfrmc Ln+ Ptch Ss A MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 13.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 DS Ds3 C-Back Pfrmc Ln+ Ptch Ss A?
Visibility, recorded in 7.3% of tests, followed by suspension (4.6%).
Does the 2021 Ds3 C-Back Pfrmc Ln+ Ptch Ss A get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.1% in the 0-30k band to 20.1% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 453 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.