DS 3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 3,191 DS 3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2015 and 2025.
In a sample of 399 cars, 61.9% 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 tyre pressure incorrect (17.5% of inspected cars).
1.5% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific DS 3
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 |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 17.5% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 17.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 13.5% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 10.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.5% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6.5% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 5% |
| Exhaust insecurely mounted | 4% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 3.5% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 3.3% |
Share of 399 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 | 10.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 2.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 3,191 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.5% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2015 to 2025 |
All DS 3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Questions
How often does the DS 3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 399 cars first registered 2012–2021, 61.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the DS 3?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (17.5%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (17.3%), tyre damaged (13.5%).
Does the DS 3 have recalls?
No recalls are registered with the RDW for this model.
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.