DS DS3 (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,163 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,505
£125/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1500cc Diesel
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1505/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 88% of DS DS3s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,163 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 25,541 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
25,541
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 DS DS3 has 25,541 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2021 sits between the two at 88%.
DS DS3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 DS DS3
The 2021 DS DS3 is a small family car with a 1500cc diesel engine. 1,163 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 25,541 miles at 5 years old, DS DS3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2021 DS DS3 Fuel Costs
The 1500cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2021 DS DS3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,505 (£125/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
DS DS3 Reliability Trend
Newer DS DS3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 DS DS3
At 5 years old, the DS DS3 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 DS DS3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 DS DS3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS DS3(2021) | 88% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1505 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£5 |
| MERCEDES A(2019) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£155 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£23 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Ds Models
Explore other Ds cars or similar models in the same category.
DS DS4
2016 · 1560cc Diesel
DS DS7
2019 · 1598cc Petrol
DS DS5
2016 · 1600cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
FORD KUGA
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
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