2012 DS DS 5 problems
The 2012 DS DS 5 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the 1.6 HDi. The 1.6 HDi has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as steering wheel vibration when braking.
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2012 DS DS 5 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 9 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine4.15 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension8.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes8.11 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels9.31 fault
- Steering7.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights6.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.2 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment8.92 faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2011 DS DS 5
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 2011.
1.6 HDi engine in the 2012 DS DS 5
Names: 1.6 e-HDi 115 · 1.6 BlueHDi 120
- With caution
1.6 HDi / e-HDi 112/115 8V (DV6C, 2010-2015)
112–115 hp · DV6C, DV6CTED, 9HR
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.[4][5]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Faults outside the engine in the 2012 DS DS 5
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesSteering wheel vibration when brakingSeveral DS5 owners with the 2.0 HDi 163 describe vibration in the steering wheel when braking from around 90 km/h; according to the page, it is a known defect on Citroën.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalTyres and wheelsPremature wear of the front tyresOn the DS5 page, the most numerous complaint outside the engine is premature tyre wear: 24 mentions out of 290 reports, with tyres worn out between 17,000 and 35,000 km across different engines.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentDoor handle sensor and keyless entry failureThe DS5 page records keyless entry faults: door handle sensors failing one after another (150,000 km on a 2.0 HDi 163), automatic locking that fails randomly and one case of a key recognition module costing more than €300.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentMultimedia system, GPS and reversing camera failureOn the DS5 page, multimedia system faults appear: radio/GPS/driver aids out of service at 40,000 km on a 1.6 THP 200, and several reversing cameras with water ingress or misting.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 DS DS 5 reliable?
The 2012 DS DS 5 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the 1.6 HDi. The 1.6 HDi has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as steering wheel vibration when braking.
Is the 2012 DS DS 5 better than the 2011?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 2011 and 2012 cars. Choose on condition, mileage and maintenance history.
What is the best year for the DS DS 5?
According to our score, the best are 2018, 2017 and 2016 (6.9/10). The year with the worst score is 2014 (5.7/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2012 DS DS 5 have?
The most important ones documented for 2012 cars are: timing belt failure and premature wear (1.6 HDi, high severity), leaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder head (1.6 HDi, medium severity), jerking and injection faults on the 1.6 e-HDi 112/115 (Continental injectors) (1.6 HDi, medium severity), additive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and clogging (1.6 HDi, medium severity) and dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks (1.6 HDi, medium severity).
Own a 2012 DS DS 5? 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.
- 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
- Peugeot DV6CTED engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
- Motor Peugeot DV6FCTED: especificaciones y aplicacionesMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 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
- Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.6 HDI 112 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French