2021 DS 3 Crossback Prestige EV Electric · LC71 GDZ

The defining issue in this DS 3 Crossback's MOT record is the braking system, which has been a recurring source of examiner concern since at least 2024, combined with a tyre condition failure at the most recent attempt. On 2025-10-22 the vehicle initially failed on a Dangerous defect for both front tyres having tread depth below the legal 1.6mm limit, before being presented for a retest the same day and passing, but only after the same tyre issue was reduced to an advisory covering both rear tyres now being worn close to the legal limit or on the edge. The 2024-09-30 test already flagged front and rear brake disc wear, both rear brake calipers binding excessively, and a front brake imbalance described as only just meeting requirements and likely needing adjustment or repair. With the binding now a year old and tyre wear having escalated from advisory status to a Dangerous failure on the front axle within twelve months, the trend is one of progressive wear rather than a stable pattern. Against an age of roughly five years, the recorded 28,830 miles equates to approximately 5,766 miles per year, which is low and consistent with predominantly urban or short-journey use. There are no significant gaps in the testing history beyond the expected early years of first registration exemption, so the mileage progression can be read as continuous rather than reflective of long stationary periods. From a mechanical standpoint this type of usage tends to produce exactly what the record shows: brake discs and pads suffer from low-speed, light-effort driving that promotes surface corrosion and caliper slide or piston seizure, while tyres with prolonged kerbing and short-trip warm-up cycles can wear unevenly or prematurely on the shoulders. The electric powertrain itself is not represented in the MOT record, but the underutilisation implied by the mileage means the 12V auxiliary battery and high-voltage system thermal management should be assessed for signs of infrequent use rather than component fatigue. A prospective buyer should treat the braking advisories from 2024 as an active work item rather than background information. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding, or rhythmic pulsing through the pedal that would indicate the previously noted disc wear has progressed, and pay particular attention to whether the rear brakes release cleanly when coming off the pedal, as the examiner flagged binding on both rear calipers. With the engine running, a low-speed manoeuvre in a quiet area should produce smooth, even deceleration without the vehicle pulling to either side, which would suggest the imbalance noted in 2024 has worsened. If a spongy pedal or extended stopping distance is observed, budget for a full brake overhaul including discs, pads, and likely a rear caliper rebuild or replacement. The tyre situation is more immediate. Given that both front tyres were below the legal 1.6mm tread threshold at the last test and both rears were already at advisory level, a full set of four replacements should be anticipated regardless of what may have been changed between tests. Inspect the sidewalls for any cracking, bulges, or uneven shoulder wear that might point to misalignment or suspension geometry issues not separately flagged in the MOT data. Confirm the replacement tyres are of consistent make, size, and speed rating across both axles, particularly on an EV where load and efficiency characteristics matter. Finally, because EVs suffer minimal wear on clutch and transmission components but place additional strain on suspension due to battery mass, a thorough check of all four corners for knocking over speed bumps, uneven tyre wear patterns, and any warning lights on the dashboard will help ensure that the low recorded mileage has not masked component ageing from infrequent use.