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DS DS 3 (2009–2019)

DS DS 3 1.6 THP 120-210 hp problems

The DS DS 3 used the 1.6 THP from 2009 to 2019 (1.6 VTi 120, 1.6 THP 155 and DS3 Performance THP 208). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the DS DS 3, the safest option is the 1.6 HDi.

DS DS 3 (2009–2019)
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

3.6 out of 10Low reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the DS 3. How we calculate it

Overall score for the DS DS 3

5.3 out of 10Acceptable reliability

Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown

6 sourcesHow we work

1.6 THP

PSA/BMW 1.6 THP and 1.6 VTi (familia Prince, EP6) · Petrol

In the DS 3
2009–2019[1]
Names
1.6 VTi 120 · 1.6 THP 155 · DS3 Performance THP 208 · DS3 Racing THP 210
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
64
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the DS 3

  1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)Yes: on the turbo versions of the 1.6 THP, built mostly before 2012, the timing chain and its tensioner wear out prematurely; if the chain jumps teeth, the engine can go out of time or seize. BMW, co-designer of the block, issued a technical bulletin on this fault in 2013.
  2. High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFragile water pump and heat exchangerYes: both the naturally aspirated 1.6 VTi and the turbo 1.6 THP share, according to fiches-auto.fr, a water pump and a heat exchanger described as fragile; in the most serious cases, the resulting overheating has gone as far as damaging the cylinder head.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionHigh-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versionsThe high-pressure pump that feeds the direct injection of the turbo (THP) versions can fail. MINI, which uses the same block in the Cooper S, extended the warranty on this part in 2010 to 10 years or 192,000 km for 2007-2009 models in the US, without the need for a recall.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil consumption on the turbo versionsYes: oil consumption between changes is one of the defects that the French motoring press repeatedly associates with the turbo versions of the 1.6 THP, used by Peugeot, Citroën and MINI. We have not found that PSA or BMW acknowledged a specific campaign or extended warranty for this reason.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionSpark plugs and ignition coils that wear out early on the 1.6 THPOn the 1.6 THP turbo a noticeable minority of owners replace spark plugs and coils earlier than expected: fiches-auto.fr records ignition warnings in 12% of opinions on the 200 hp THP. It causes judder and the engine warning light.

All versions and faults of the 1.6 THP

What to check before buying a used DS DS 3 1.6 THP 120-210 hp

Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.

If it has the 1.6 THP (2009–2019)

Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)

Critical severity

Fragile water pump and heat exchanger

High severity

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versions

Medium severity

Oil consumption on the turbo versions

Medium severity

Spark plugs and ignition coils that wear out early on the 1.6 THP

Medium severity

Other engines and gearboxes of the DS DS 3

Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.

Faults of the DS DS 3 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

Buying a DS DS 3 1.6 THP 120-210 hp?

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Frequently asked questions

Is the DS DS 3 1.6 THP 120-210 hp reliable?

The DS DS 3 used the 1.6 THP from 2009 to 2019 (1.6 VTi 120, 1.6 THP 155 and DS3 Performance THP 208). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the DS DS 3, the safest option is the 1.6 HDi.

What faults does the DS DS 3 1.6 THP 120-210 hp have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) (critical severity), fragile water pump and heat exchanger (high severity), high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versions (medium severity), oil consumption on the turbo versions (medium severity) and spark plugs and ignition coils that wear out early on the 1.6 THP (medium severity).

Which engine should you choose for the DS DS 3?

The safest option is the 1.6 HDi in its 1.6 HDi / e-HDi 92/95 8V (DV6D, 2009-2016) version, with a «Buy» verdict.

Own a DS DS 3 1.6 THP 120-210 hp? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Citroën DS3Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Liste des moteurs qui ont des soucis de refroidissementFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Moteurs essence qui consomment de l'huileFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. BMW Recalls Fuel Pumps. Mini Does NotMotoringFile · Motoring press · published 27 October 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Prince engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026