KNOWN FAULTS · DS

DS DS 3 1.2 PureTech common problems.

2010–2019 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Oil-bath timing belt degradationTiming / lubrication

Engine / equipment: 1.0 / 1.2 PureTech (EB2) in the Peugeot 208/2008/308/3008/5008, Citroën C3/C4/C5 Aircross, DS 3, Opel Corsa/Crossland/Grandland
Period mentioned: 2012 – approx. 2022
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, hard brake pedal or reduced assistance, oil consumption, blue smoke, squeal at the front of the engine, turbo whistles or loses power.
Possible cause described: The timing belt runs in oil and degrades (especially with short trips and fuel dilution). Debris clogs the oil pump strainer, the brake vacuum pump filter, the turbo oil feed and the variable valve timing solenoids. Stellantis announced compensation for affected owners in 2025.
Check for the garage: Measure the belt through the oil filler opening with the manufacturer's tool. Confirm whether the vacuum pump campaign was done.
Cost cited in the source: Vacuum pump: €500–800; belt with oil system cleaning: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the automatic gearbox described in the record.

AL4 / DP0 automatic gearbox pressure regulationAutomatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: PSA/Renault AL4 (DP0) four-speed automatic in Peugeot 206, 207, 307, 308, 406 and 407, Citroën C3, C4, C5, Xsara and Xsara Picasso, and DS3
Period mentioned: Approx. 2000–2015
Symptoms: The “Sport” and “Snow” lights flash together or “Gearbox fault” appears; very harsh shifts before the gearbox goes into limp mode in 3rd (only 3rd and reverse). It often happens when cold or after a few minutes' driving and clears after restarting the engine.
Possible cause described: The control unit sees a difference between calculated and actual pressure. The most cited cause is the pressure regulation solenoid (EPDE), though internal leaks or the pressure sensor are also possible. With badly degraded fluid, the fluid wear counter also triggers limp mode. Some owners replace the solenoid without fixing it.
Check for the garage: Read the codes with PSA-compatible equipment (Diagbox/Lexia) and log line pressure while driving, especially when cold. Check fluid level and condition and, if changed, use the specified fluid and reset the wear counter. Also check the lever position switch.
Cost cited in the source: No verifiable estimate in the sources; the solenoid is a replacement part and, according to a forum, it can be changed without removing the gearbox.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.