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DS DS 4 I problems (2011–2018)

All 3 engines of the DS DS 4 I that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.2 PureTech, the 1.6 THP and the 1.6 HDi. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.6 HDi, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3][4][5]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, according to the fiches-auto.fr testimonies the DS4 (2011-2018) stands out for steering wheel vibrations and premature wear of tyres and front shock absorbers, and for electronics and multimedia faults. We have not found independent studies or verifiable campaigns.[6][7]

DS DS 4 I (2011–2018)
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468104.9out of 10

DS DS 4 I rating: low reliability

Calculated using only 20 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Limited evidence: it is based on few sources or few documented faults, so it is not included in the rankings. Having few documented faults does not mean it is reliable: it may simply be little studied. How it is calculated

  • Engine2.6From 0.4 to 3.7 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension8.61 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes8.21 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels7.91 fault
  • Steering8.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system9.31 fault
  • Headlights and lights6.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.3 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment9.31 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

The weak points of the DS DS 4 I

  1. 1Critical severity: Oil-bath timing belt degradation1.2 PureTech engine · repair €400–€800
  2. 2Critical severity: Loss of braking assistance from vacuum pump damage1.2 PureTech engine
  3. 3Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)1.6 THP engine
  4. 4High severity: Excessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failure1.2 PureTech engine
  5. 5High severity: Timing belt failure and premature wear1.6 HDi engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

34 sourcesHow we work

1.2 PureTech

PSA / Stellantis 1.2 PureTech (EB2) · Petrol

In the DS 4 I
2013–2018[8][9]
Name
1.2 PureTech 130
Faults that affect it
4 · all of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
96
Very high risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.2 PureTech turbo 110 and 130 hp Euro 6.1 (EB2DT, EB2DTS, 2013-2018)2013–2018 · 110–130 hp · EB2DT, EB2DTS, HNZ, HNY

    With caution

    It combines the three documented problems (belt, brake vacuum pump and oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings) and many units have already passed the 10 years of Stellantis cover. Only buy with the belt replaced and invoiced, the campaigns done and normal oil consumption.[9][10][11][12]

Faults that affect the DS 4 I

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.2 PureTech has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
  2. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentLubricationLoss of braking assistance from vacuum pump damageOn 1.2 PureTech turbos built between 2013 and 2018, belt debris can damage the vacuum pump that feeds the brake servo and reduce braking assistance. There were two free recalls (2020 and 2022); it is worth confirming they were done.
  3. High severityFrequency: Very frequentLubricationExcessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failureThe 2014 to 2023 1.2 PureTech turbos can use too much oil: those from 2014-2018 through carbon blocking the piston rings and those from 2018-2023 through a defective oil separator. Stellantis considers more than 0.3 l per 1,000 km abnormal and includes it in its cover.
  4. High severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionSpark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turboOn the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech/e-THP turbo the original spark plugs can break; if a fragment falls into the cylinder it can damage the engine. Autojournal cites a 2015 recall to replace them on the 308 II.

DS 4 I 1.2 PureTech pageAll versions and faults of the 1.2 PureTech

1.6 THP

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

In the DS 4 I
2011–2018[13]
Names
THP 155 · THP 163 · THP 200
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 4 I

  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.

DS 4 I 1.6 THP pageAll versions and faults of the 1.6 THP

1.6 HDi

Safest option

PSA/Ford 1.6 HDi, e-HDi, TDCi and BlueHDi (DV6) · Diesel

In the DS 4 I
2011–2018[18][19][20]
Names
1.6 e-HDi 115 · 1.6 BlueHDi 120
Faults that affect it
6 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
63
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.6 HDi / e-HDi 112/115 8V (DV6C, 2010-2015)2010–2015 · 112–115 hp · DV6C, DV6CTED, 9HR

    With caution

    More reliable than the 16V engines on the turbo, but you need to check PSA's action on the belt (units from October 2010 to September 2011) and whether the 2011-2014 Continental injectors were replaced.[1][2]

  • 1.6 BlueHDi 75/100/120 (DV6FE / DV6FD / DV6FC, 2013-2019)2013–2019 · 75–120 hp · DV6FC, DV6FD, DV6FE, DV6FCTED, DV6FDTED

    With caution

    The mechanics derive from the 8V engines, but the AdBlue system is its main source of faults; check that there are no emissions warnings and whether the car falls within Stellantis's extended warranty.[3][4][5]

Faults that affect the DS 4 I

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.6 HDi has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlAdBlue tank and pump fault (1.6 BlueHDi)The 1.6 BlueHDi engines (2013-2019) suffer from the AdBlue tank defect of Stellantis diesels: an emissions warning appears with a countdown until starting is prevented. Replacing the tank, with the integrated pump, costs over €1,000 (price in Spain), but there is an extended warranty of up to 8 years.Repair: €1,000–€1,200
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionLeaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder headIt is common for the copper washers of the 1.6 HDi injectors to stop sealing: the engine blows gases, carbon forms around the injector and soot gets into the oil. It is cheap to repair, but if left it contaminates the oil and is one of the causes of turbo failure.Repair (garage): €110–€310
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionJerking and injection faults on the 1.6 e-HDi 112/115 (Continental injectors)The 112 and 115 hp 1.6 HDi/e-HDi built between late 2011 and February 2014 can jerk and turn on the engine warning light because of an internal electrical defect in their Continental injectors. PSA covered their replacement depending on age and mileage.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlAdditive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and cloggingThe DPF on the 1.6 HDi and BlueHDi works with an additive (cerine) that runs out at 80,000-120,000 km and has to be topped up for around €100-120 (price in Spain). With a lot of town use the filter clogs and the warning appears; if it is left, a new DPF costs around €1,500.Repair (garage): €100–€1,500Appears at around 80,000 km
  6. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 1.6 HDi EGR valve gets dirty easily, especially in town use, and causes jerking and stalling at idle. On the 8V engines the EGR cooler also fails, consuming coolant with no visible leaks.

DS 4 I 1.6 HDi pageAll versions and faults of the 1.6 HDi

Faults of the DS DS 4 I outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the DS DS 4 I

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 2,995 inspections of 1,099 cars registered between 2011 and 2018, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 3.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.3%.

    Average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.4%.

    Average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 1.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 21% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.7%.

    Average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 1.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.9%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 3.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.6%.

    More defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 4.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.1%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 18.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.6%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used DS DS 4 I

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 1.2 PureTech (2013–2018)

Oil-bath timing belt degradation

Critical severity

Loss of braking assistance from vacuum pump damage

Critical severity

Excessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failure

High severity

Spark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turbo

High severity

If it has the 1.6 THP (2011–2018)

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

If it has the 1.6 HDi (2011–2018)

Timing belt failure and premature wear

High severity

AdBlue tank and pump fault (1.6 BlueHDi)

Medium severity

Leaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder head

Medium severity

Jerking and injection faults on the 1.6 e-HDi 112/115 (Continental injectors)

Medium severity

Additive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and clogging

Medium severity

Dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks

Medium severity

Wear parts for the DS DS 4 I

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

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Buying a DS DS 4 I?

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Own a DS DS 4 I? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the DS DS 4 I reliable?

All 3 engines of the DS DS 4 I that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.2 PureTech, the 1.6 THP and the 1.6 HDi. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.6 HDi, with a «With caution» verdict. Outside the engine, according to the fiches-auto.fr testimonies the DS4 (2011-2018) stands out for steering wheel vibrations and premature wear of tyres and front shock absorbers, and for electronics and multimedia faults. We have not found independent studies or verifiable campaigns.

Which DS DS 4 I engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.6 HDi, with a «With caution» verdict. More reliable than the 16V engines on the turbo, but you need to check PSA's action on the belt (units from October 2010 to September 2011) and whether the 2011-2014 Continental injectors were replaced.[1][2]

What problems does the DS DS 4 I have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, according to the fiches-auto.fr testimonies the DS4 (2011-2018) stands out for steering wheel vibrations and premature wear of tyres and front shock absorbers, and for electronics and multimedia faults. We have not found independent studies or verifiable campaigns. The most important documented faults are: steering wheel vibrations and uneven tyre wear caused by the front axle (tyres and wheels, medium severity), electric parking brake fault (brakes, medium severity), premature wear of the front shock absorbers (suspension, low severity) and electric window regulator failure (electrical system, low severity).[6][7]

What faults does the DS DS 4 I have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech, critical severity), loss of braking assistance from vacuum pump damage (1.2 PureTech, critical severity), timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) (1.6 THP, critical severity), excessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failure (1.2 PureTech, high severity) and timing belt failure and premature wear (1.6 HDi, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a DS DS 4 I?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2018, 2017 and 2016 (5.6/10); the worst rated is 2014 (5.2/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Sources

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

  1. Fiabilité Citroën Peugeot. Le bloc 1.6 HDi 8 soupapes est-il fiable ? (1.6 HDi 112/115)L'argus · Motoring press · published 23 March 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.6 HDI 112 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité 1.6 BlueHDIFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · published 9 December 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  4. Adblue : problèmes en pagaille ?Fiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  5. OCU y BEUC consiguen que Stellantis amplíe la garantía de los coches con AdBlueOCU · Consumer association · published 27 December 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Tous les problèmes sur Ds DS4 2011-2018 (314 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  7. DS 4 (Wikipedia, fr)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  8. El Grupo PSA llama a revisión a más de 31.000 coches en España por un posible fallo en el servofrenoMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 26 November 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Peugeot-Citroën-DS-Opel. Nouveau rappel de grande ampleur pour le moteur 1.2 PureTechL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  10. Safety Gate, alerta A12/01505/20: Peugeot 208, 308, 2008, 3008, 5008 y Partner (copia en PDF)Comisión Europea – Safety Gate · Official body · published November 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026
  11. Fiabilité Stellantis 1.2 PureTech. De nouvelles solutions contre la consommation d'huileL'argus · Motoring press · published 23 June 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  12. Moteur PureTech. Stellantis généralise sa garantie de 10 ans ou 180 000 kmL'argus · Motoring press · published 26 May 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  13. Citroën DS4Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Moteurs essence qui consomment de l'huileFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. BMW Recalls Fuel Pumps. Mini Does NotMotoringFile · Motoring press · published 27 October 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026
  17. Liste des moteurs qui ont des soucis de refroidissementFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Fiabilité Citroën Peugeot. Le bloc 1.6 HDi 8 soupapes est-il fiable ?L'argus · Motoring press · published 23 March 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  19. Peugeot DV6CTED engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  20. Motor Peugeot DV6FCTED: especificaciones y aplicacionesMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  21. 1.2 PureTech: precio y cambio de correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 2 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  22. 10 años o 175.000 km de garantía para los modelos de Stellantis con motor PureTechAutofácil · Motoring press · published 27 March 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  23. Peugeot, sobre los motores PureTech: «Reconocemos que hemos hecho las cosas mal»Xataka · Motoring press · published 4 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  24. ¿Qué es el separador de aceite de los motores 1.2 PureTech?Motor16 · Motoring press · published 2 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  25. Peugeot 308 : quelles sont les pannes les plus fréquentes sur les 3 générationsAutojournal · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  26. Fiabilité du 1.2 PuretechFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  27. Prince engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  28. Plan d'entretien 308 (T9) Diesel 1.6 BlueHDi 100 S&S BVM5Peugeot (documento alojado en forum-peugeot.com) · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  29. PSA 1.5-1.6-2.0 BlueHDi. Défaut du réservoir d'Adblue pris en chargeL'argus · Motoring press · published 6 March 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  30. Compensaciones para los usuarios de vehículos Citroën, DS, Opel y Peugeot afectados por un fallo de fabricación de los depósitos AdBlueConsumo Responde (Junta de Andalucía) · Official body · published April 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  31. Boletín de servicio: sustitución del turbo en motores DV6 (versión reducida de la Información de servicio nº 77)Turbotec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  32. Changer les joints d'injecteurs 1.6 HDI : procédure et étapesInjecteurland · Technical documentation · published 23 January 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  33. El filtro de partículas en motores diéselMidcar · Technical documentation · published 18 October 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  34. Cómo funciona el filtro de partículas de PSACarbon Cleaner · Other source · published 13 February 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish