Electro-hydraulic power steering pump
usually 100,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Heavy steering, whine, warning
Fix: Replace the pump / relay
€300–800
Common faults, service intervals and costs
DS 4
2011–2018
5
engines covered
22
known faults
14,662
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
17
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The DS 4 was built from 2011 to 2018.
For this generation we cover 5 engines and 22 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is AdBlue tank / pump failure: it usually appears at 80,000–160,000 km and costs €800–1,600 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (19.6 %), suspension (14.4 %), body and corrosion (10.9 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, suspension, steering, tyres and wheels, lights, wipers and visibility, body and corrosion.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v) | Diesel | Belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo | 5W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / Ford WSS-M2C913-C · ~3.75 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.6 BlueHDi (DV6FC) | Diesel | Belt · 180,000 km / every 120 mo | 0W-30 / 5W-30 · PSA B71 2312 / B71 2290 · ~3.75 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10) | Diesel | Belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo | 5W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / Ford WSS-M2C913-C / 934-B · ~4.25–5.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.6 THP (EP6 turbo, also MINI Cooper S) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 0W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / BMW LL-04 · ~4.25 L · every 10,000 km |
| 1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 0W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / BMW LL-04 · ~4.25 L · every 10,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Front suspension (top mounts, drop links)
usually 60,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Knocks over bumps
Fix: Replace parts
€100–300
Brake light switch / BSI electrics
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Warning lights, cruise control off
Fix: Replace switch; BSI update
€30–300
Faults by engine
1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)
Injector copper seal leak → carbon build-up
usually 80,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Ticking, diesel / soot smell, carbon around injectors
Fix: Replace seals early; remove carbon
€200–900
DPF additive (Eolys) / DPF
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: 'Additive level low' / DPF warning
Fix: Refill additive, clean or replace DPF
€150–1,200
EGR valve / cooler
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode, power loss
Fix: Clean or replace
€200–600
1.6 BlueHDi (DV6FC)
AdBlue tank / pump failure
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: 'Starting impossible in X km' warning
Fix: Replace AdBlue tank module (extensions exist)
€800–1,600
EGR clogging
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Power loss
Fix: Clean or replace EGR
€300–800
2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10)
Injectors / injector seals
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Smoke, knocking, hard start
Fix: Replace seals / injectors
€300–1,500
DPF with additive (FAP)
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
model years 2004–2027 only
Signs: DPF / additive warning
Fix: Refill additive, clean DPF
€150–1,500
EGR valve / swirl flap actuator
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace
€200–700
Turbo actuator / vanes
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Overboost / underboost
Fix: Clean or replace
€300–1,000
1.6 THP (EP6 turbo, also MINI Cooper S)
Timing chain stretch
usually 80,000–150,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start
Fix: Replace chain kit
€700–1,400
Carbon build-up / HP fuel pump
usually 80,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Misfires, hesitation
Fix: Clean valves, replace pump
€300–900
1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16)
Timing chain stretch
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start, timing codes
Fix: Replace chain, tensioner and guides
€600–1,200
Valve stem seals — oil consumption
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Blue smoke on start, oil use
Fix: Replace valve stem seals
€500–1,100
Water pump / thermostat housing leak
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant loss
Fix: Replace pump / housing
€200–500
Valvetronic (VVL) motor
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Rough idle, engine light
Fix: Replace motor
€300–700
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Dual-mass flywheel
usually 150,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
€700–1,400
EAT6 / EAT8 (Aisin)
EAT8 software / harsh shifts (2017–2020)
usually 20,000–120,000 km · Wear part
model years 2017–2020 only
Signs: Jerky low-speed shifts
Fix: Software update; fluid change at 60,000 km
€0–300
ETG / EGS / BMP / SensoDrive (automated)
Clutch actuator / hydraulic unit
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: Won't select a gear, 'gearbox fault', jerky shifts
Fix: Repair or replace the actuator; clutch re-learn
€500–1,500
Clutch wear (automated)
usually 80,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, harsh engagement
Fix: Replace clutch + re-learn
€500–1,000
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €450–900 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 14,662 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 3.4 % | 5.7 % | 10.2 % | 12.2 % | 11.6 % |
| Suspension | 2.3 % | 9.1 % | 14.4 % | 17.9 % | 18.1 % |
| Steering | 0.2 % | 0.9 % | 3.3 % | 6.4 % | 7.6 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 5.9 % | 7.5 % | 10.5 % | 11.9 % | 14.5 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 7.9 % | 13.0 % | 19.6 % | 24.5 % | 27.1 % |
| Body and corrosion | 5.9 % | 9.5 % | 10.9 % | 10.5 % | 9.0 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.2 % | 2.0 % | 2.6 % | 3.3 % | 3.6 % |
Most common engine versions in the EU
New cars of this generation registered in the EU, Iceland and Norway 2010–2025: 2,673, of which 0 in Croatia. The share shows how common each version is.
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)1.6 (1,560 cm³) · Diesel | 51.1 % | 2015–2015 | — | — |
| 2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10)2.0 (1,997 cm³) · 133 kW (181 hp) · Diesel | 10.7 % | 2015–2018 | 114 g/km | — |
| 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)1.6 (1,560 cm³) · 88 kW (120 hp) · Diesel | 9.9 % | 2015–2018 | 100 g/km | — |
| 1.2 Petrol1.2 (1,199 cm³) · Petrol | 7.3 % | 2015–2015 | — | — |
| 1.2 Petrol1.2 (1,199 cm³) · 96 kW (131 hp) · Petrol | 7.1 % | 2015–2018 | 114 g/km | — |
| 1.6 THP (EP6 turbo, also MINI Cooper S)1.6 (1,598 cm³) · 121 kW (165 hp) · Petrol | 4.5 % | 2015–2018 | 129 g/km | — |
| 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)1.6 (1,560 cm³) · 85 kW (116 hp) · Diesel | 2.7 % | 2015–2018 | 103 g/km | — |
| 2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10)2.0 (1,997 cm³) · 110 kW (150 hp) · Diesel | 2.3 % | 2015–2017 | 107 g/km | — |
| 1.6 THP (EP6 turbo, also MINI Cooper S)1.6 (1,598 cm³) · Petrol | 1.8 % | 2015–2017 | 128 g/km | — |
| 2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10)2.0 (1,997 cm³) · Diesel | 1.4 % | 2015–2015 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (17). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Brakes / ABS / ESP On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.13/12/2022 · R/2023/036
- Brakes / ABS / ESP The operation of the brake vacumn pump may be affected due to material detaching from the timing belt23/06/2021 · R/2021/238
- Brakes / ABS / ESP The brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt20/01/2021 · R/2020/327
- Airbag Front air bag igniters may not deploy correctly17/09/2020 · R/2019/339
- Engine / loss of power Due to the calibration of the engine management software NOX emissions may not comply with regulatory limits26/09/2019 · R/2019/329
- Engine / loss of power Engine component may not be to specification15/12/2017 · R/2017/339
- Electronics / software Starter supply wire may chafe06/07/2017 · R/2017/208
- Doors / locks / lids Bonnet may open unexpectedly01/12/2016 · R/2016/241
The other recalls (9) are listed in the app.
Common questions
Does the DS 4 have a timing chain or a timing belt?
1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v): belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo; 1.6 BlueHDi (DV6FC): belt · 180,000 km / every 120 mo; 2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10): belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo; 1.6 THP (EP6 turbo, also MINI Cooper S): chain; 1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16): chain.
What are the known problems with the DS 4?
The faults with the highest risk: adBlue tank / pump failure (80,000–160,000 km, €800–1,600); clutch actuator / hydraulic unit (80,000–160,000 km, €500–1,500); timing chain stretch (80,000–160,000 km, €600–1,200); injector copper seal leak → carbon build-up (80,000–200,000 km, €200–900). The full list by engine is on this page.
What does the DS 4 most often fail its roadworthiness test on?
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (19.6 %), suspension (14.4 %), body and corrosion (10.9 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, suspension, steering, tyres and wheels, lights, wipers and visibility, body and corrosion.
What should you check when buying a used DS 4?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (17 have been published for this model). If the engine has a timing belt, ask for the invoice for its replacement: with no proof, assume it has not been done. On the test drive, watch for these signs: 'Starting impossible in X km' warning; won't select a gear, 'gearbox fault', jerky shifts. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Other generations
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Ford Focus III 2011–2018Ford Focus II 2004–2011Peugeot 208 I 2012–2019Ford Kuga II 2012–2019MINI Hatch (R56) 2006–2013Peugeot 207 2006–2014Volvo S40 / V50 2004–2012Volvo V70 III 2007–2016
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026