DS DS 3 (2009–2019)Electrical systemWindow regulators and central locking
Electric door window failure in the DS DS 3
It is one of the most repeated complaints in the DS3 entry: 50 mentions out of 549 testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, with windows that jam or an anti-trap function that stops them closing fully.[1]
Why this rating?
Low severity: A nuisance or wear. It does not immobilise the car or damage other parts.
Frequency occasional: 50 window mentions out of 549 testimonies (around 9%) on fiches-auto.fr: a noticeable, recurring minority, but with no campaign or independent study to quantify it.[1]
Symptoms
- The electric windows become temperamental with age: they jam halfway or the anti-trap function stops them closing.[1]Window/lock failure: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Affected years and cars
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Repair or replacement of the window regulator mechanism/motor.[1]
We have not found a reliable reference price in euros in Spain; fiches-auto.fr only records isolated amounts from owners in France.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Raise and lower all the windows several times and check that the glass closes fully.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Window regulator mechanism
Moves the door glass.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Avoid forcing the switch when the window jams.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 5 October 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other faults of the DS DS 3
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchPremature clutch and flywheel wearThe DS3 entry has 35 clutch/flywheel mentions: clutches that slip or fail after few kilometres (one at 2,500 km after being replaced, another at 80,000 km) and pedals that lock.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareClimate controlAir conditioning compressor and pipe failureThe entry records 10 air conditioning mentions on the DS3, with cases of climate control that stopped cooling and required replacing the compressor and all the pipes, and of water dripping inside the cabin.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorRoof paint and lacquer deteriorationFragile paint is a frequent complaint in the DS3 entry (60 mentions out of 549 testimonies): the black roof "comes away like lace", the lacquer is fragile and stickers on the pillar sometimes peel off.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentMultimedia system and radio failureDS3 owners cite 25 mentions of electronics/multimedia and 20 of radio/CD on fiches-auto.fr, with the system suddenly restarting, the reversing camera freezing or the parking sensor failing.
The faults of its engines are on the DS DS 3 page.
The same problem in other cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonRenault Laguna IIMultiplex electrical system and hands-free card faultsThe Laguna II had a reputation problem because of faults in its multiplexed electrical network: the hands-free card, the card reader and the ABS, ESP and handbrake warning lights came on erratically, especially in the early years of production (2001-2003).
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda CR-V IIMaster window switch with fire risk from liquid ingressYes: Honda has recalled CR-Vs built between November 2001 and October 2006 twice (in 2012 and 2020-2021) because the master window switch can collect liquid, overheat and, in the worst case, cause a fire.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Corolla XOverheating of the front electric window switch (fire risk)Toyota has carried out two recalls over the Corolla's window switch: in 2012, for a poor lubricant that left carbon deposits and could cause a fire (4,032 Corollas in Spain, built between September 2006 and December 2008), and in 2015, for a possible short circuit in the driver's master switch (2005-2010 range).
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Urban CruiserOverheating of the driver's master window switchToyota recalled Urban Cruisers in the 2005-2010 production range because the driver's master window switch can short-circuit and overheat, with a risk of fire. It is a preventive campaign: the switch is inspected, given a coating and replaced if it shows signs of malfunction.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW Serie 3 E46Central locking and immobiliser failure due to worn relaysThe central locking can become intermittent or stop responding to the remote, and the immobiliser can fail sporadically when starting; gebrauchtwagenberater.de attributes both faults to wear in the relays of the control modules, and fiches-auto.fr records numerous testimonies of unreliable locking.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonRenault Clio IIFailures of the electric windows and central lockingOn the Clio II the cables, guides and motors of the electric windows wear out and damp corrodes the connectors, which can also affect the central locking and the rear lights through faulty earths.
All faults with window regulators and central locking (137)Cars with the most electrical system problems
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Tous les problèmes sur DS DS3 2009-2018 (549 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French