IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2014–2018 DS Automobiles DS 4

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2014–2018 DS Automobiles DS 4. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2014–2018 period has 2 more issues than the DS Automobiles DS 4 average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

1.2 PureTech "Wet Belt" Degradation

SeriousEngine

The timing belt runs in oil and can degrade, shedding debris that blocks the oil pickup and can lead to vacuum pump failure (affecting braking assistance) and total engine failure.

Most affected: 1.2 PureTech 130

Estimated cost: £600–£1,800Affects: 2014–2018Often appears around: 30,000–60,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Low oil pressure warning
  • •Furry/cracked belt visible through filler cap
  • •Hard brake pedal
  • •Engine fault light

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check belt condition via oil filler cap
  • ✓Insist on 0W-30/0W-20 oil service history
  • ✓Check recall status for belt degradation

1.6 THP timing-chain stretch

SeriousEngine

The turbo petrol DS 4 shares the same Prince-engine weak points as its Peugeot and Mini relatives, with timing-chain noise and carbon build-up the biggest ownership risks.

Most affected: 1.6 THP

Estimated cost: £500–£1,800Affects: 2011–2018Often appears around: 40,000–90,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Cold-start rattle
  • •Engine light
  • •Poor idle
  • •Misfire under load

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Cold-start the engine
  • ✓Look for chain-kit paperwork
  • ✓Check service intervals were not stretched

EGS / ETG gearbox actuator and clutch wear

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The semi-automated gearbox is acceptable when healthy but quickly feels broken if the clutch or actuator is tired, leading to jerky shifts and expensive catch-up work.

Most affected: e-HDi EGS, e-HDi ETG

Estimated cost: £400–£1,500Affects: 2011–2018Often appears around: 50,000–110,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Long pauses between gears
  • •Harsh shifts
  • •Struggles selecting reverse
  • •Gearbox warning

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive it in traffic and on hills
  • ✓Reverse several times
  • ✓Check for clutch or actuator history

Front top-mount and drop-link wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The DS 4’s firm ride and big wheels can punish the front suspension, so top mounts, links and bushes often become noisy on UK cars.

Most affected: All DS 4 models

Estimated cost: £120–£350Affects: 2011–2018Often appears around: 40,000–90,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Knocking over potholes
  • •Creaking on lock
  • •Vague steering feel

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive on rough roads with the radio off
  • ✓Inspect front tyres for inner-edge wear
  • ✓Review MOT history for repeat suspension notes

Buying Tips for the 2014 DS Automobiles DS 4

  • ✓Be especially careful with 1.6 THP petrols because they carry the usual chain and carbon-build-up risks
  • ✓If the car has the EGS or ETG automated manual, make sure you can live with the shift behaviour and that it is not actually worn out
  • ✓Front suspension noises are common on UK roads, so do not buy one without a rough-road test drive
  • ✓Check door locks, windows and the infotainment carefully because electrical niggles are more common than major structural issues
2011–2013 DS Automobiles DS 4

Browse 2014–2018 DS Automobiles DS 4 in our Directory

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Other DS Automobiles DS 4 Year Periods

2011–20132014–2018

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