Citroën DS3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 9,504 Citroën DS3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2010 and 2018.
In a sample of 398 cars, 75.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is number plate light not working (properly) / missing (20.9% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 14 recalls for this model; 10.6% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Citroën DS3
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 20.9% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 15.1% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 13.1% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 12.1% |
| Steering ball joint has too much play | 10.8% |
| Exhaust insecurely mounted | 10.1% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 9.8% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.3% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 8.8% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 8.8% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 17.1% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 8.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 9,504 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 10.6% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2010 to 2018 |
All Citroën DS3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-12-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 45,745 |
| 2022-12-05 | electrical system | – | 37 |
| 2018-08-27 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 9 |
| 2017-11-30 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 1 |
| 2017-04-03 | transmission and drivetrain | serious | 2 |
| 2016-10-24 | brakes | – | 89 |
| 2016-05-02 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 41 |
| 2015-03-11 | steering | serious | 16 |
| 2014-07-15 | suspension | serious | 24 |
| 2014-06-11 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 1,787 |
| 2014-02-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 53 |
| 2013-08-20 | electrical system | serious | 19 |
| 2013-08-20 | electrical system | serious | 1,015 |
| 2013-02-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 17 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Citroën DS3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 75.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Citroën DS3?
The most common APK defects are: number plate light not working (properly) / missing (20.9%), tyre tread depth insufficient (15.1%), position light not working (properly) (13.1%).
Does the Citroën DS3 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 14 recalls. 10.6% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Citroën models
C1 · C3 · C4 · C5 · Berlingo · Xsara · C2 · E-C4 · E-C3 · 2CV6 · 2 · Jumpy
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.