French premium crossover with distinctive styling, aimed at buyers wanting something different from German rivals. The PSA 2.0 HDi engine is generally robust when serviced properly, but the DS5 brings specific concerns: DPF regeneration issues plague cars driven mainly on short trips, AdBlue system failures are common after 40,000 km (€500-€1,500 repair), and timing chain tensioner wear causes cold start rattle around 80,000 km. The EAT6 automatic gearbox from Aisin is reliable, but avoid early models with rough suspension. Citroën ranked 28th out of 32 brands for reliability.
DPF clogging and regeneration failure€150 - €2,500
Short trips prevent DPF regeneration, car enters limp mode · more· less
The diesel particulate filter requires frequent motorway journeys to regenerate properly. Dashboard warnings appear saying "Risk of Particle Filter Clogging" and the car goes into limp mode. After several failed regenerations, the system forces limp mode until serviced. Professional DPF cleaning costs €150-€200, but if the filter is beyond cleaning, replacement costs €1,550-€2,500. At high mileage (160,000+ km), DPF replacement becomes inevitable. The system uses Eolys additive fluid which typically lasts 100,000+ km before needing refill.
AdBlue system failures€120 - €1,500
Injector and pump failures common after 40,000 km, car won't start · more· less
AdBlue system shows blockages and sensor errors as early as 40,000 km. Warning lights appear with countdown (e.g., "700 miles until no restart"). White AdBlue crystals below the exhaust indicate severe over-dosing from faulty sensors. The AdBlue injector costs €120-€180, but often the entire tank/pump assembly needs replacement at €820-€1,500. The pump is sealed into the tank and PSA doesn't sell individual parts. Even after replacing parts, specialist diagnostic software (Lexia/Diagbox) is required for reinitialization. Independent garages can often diagnose and replace injector for under €200.
Timing chain tensioner wear€700 - €1,200
Cold start rattle for 1-30 seconds, typically 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The timing chain tensioner's release valve weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes distinctive rattling on cold starts lasting 1-30 seconds. Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. If ignored, the chain can stretch enough to skip teeth, causing catastrophic valve/piston contact. Replacement involves timing chain, guides, tensioners, and sprockets. Costs range from €700-€1,200 depending on whether you use a dealer (€1,200) or independent garage (€700-€900). Watch for metal shavings in oil during changes.
EGR valve failure€200 - €450
Anti-pollution fault, lumpy running, loss of power below 2,500 rpm · more· less
EGR valve jams due to carbon buildup or oil contamination (from leaking turbo). Symptoms include engine light, rough idle, stalling, and flat performance below 2,500 rpm. Error codes P0400, P0401, P0402 are common. If there's oil sludge on the EGR (not just carbon), the turbo is leaking oil and needs attention. EGR valve replacement costs €200-€450. Some owners disconnect the EGR or install blanking plates to resolve drivability issues, though this may affect emissions and trigger warning lights. EGR cleaner can help if caught early, but requires proper diagnostic tools.
Turbo actuator failure€500 - €2,500
Actuator sticks from gentle driving, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator sticks when the car is driven too gently or only on short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include EPC warning light and limp mode with loss of boost. VW/PSA won't sell the actuator separately from the turbo. Specialist garages can repair actuator-only for €500-€600, but if turbo internals are damaged, full replacement costs €1,200-€2,500. Prevention: use premium diesel fuel and drive spiritedly occasionally (high rpm, sustained motorway speeds) to keep the turbo and exhaust system clean.
Injector and fuel system problems€800 - €4,000
Hard starting, rough idle, loss of power from worn injectors · more· less
Injector excessive back leakage (from worn parts) causes rail pressure drop, resulting in hard starting or no start. Error code P2291 (rail pressure rise too slow on starting) is common after the car sits 7-8 hours. Injector leak-off pipes harden and crack with heat. Poor fuel quality causes 85% of injector failures. If the high-pressure pump fails internally, swarf and metal filings contaminate the fuel system, damaging injectors. Individual injector replacement costs €200-€400 per injector, but if the pump has failed, expect full system cleaning/replacement at €2,500-€4,000. Always use quality diesel fuel.
Suspension and damper issues€600 - €1,200
Poor ride quality, knocking sounds, body dancing on bumpy corners · more· less
The DS5 does not use Citroën's traditional hydropneumatic suspension - it has conventional ZF Friedrichshafen dampers. Early DS5s (2011-2013) have notoriously poor suspension, described as "possibly the worst in 45 years" by some owners. The car dances across the road on lumpy corners and sends shockwaves through the cabin on potholes. Knocking sounds from the front suspension are common. Many owners upgrade to Bilstein dampers which dramatically improves ride quality. Full damper replacement (four corners) costs €600-€1,200 depending on parts choice. Later 2015+ models have improved suspension but are not compatible with earlier cars.
Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear€900 - €1,500
Vibrations, rattling at idle, rough pull-away at 70,000-120,000 km · more· less
Dual-mass flywheel (DMF) failure causes vibrations through the vehicle and clutch pedal when idling or pulling away. Rattling noises disappear when you depress the clutch. Rough engine idle can sound like a misfire. Typical failure occurs between 70,000-120,000 km depending on driving style (city driving, towing, and aggressive starts accelerate wear). The clutch and DMF should always be replaced together. Clutch kit costs €400-€500, DMF costs €200-€260, labor adds €300-€500 (5-8 hours work). Total job: €900-€1,500. Manual gearbox only - automatics don't have this issue.
Interior rattles and trim degradation€100 - €500
Dashboard squeaks, door panel rattles, loose trim pieces · more· less
Multiple owners report rattles from the interior, particularly from the dashboard and door panels. The DS5's complex interior design with multiple materials leads to squeaks and rattles as the car ages. Test drive on rough roads to identify issues. Some rattles can be DIY fixed with felt tape or foam padding, but persistent issues may require professional attention (€100-€300 labor to trace and fix). Trim clips break easily and replacement parts are expensive from Citroën dealers. Independent specialists familiar with DS models can often source aftermarket or used parts more affordably.
Diesel complexity requires commitment
The DS5 2.0 HDi is a capable car when maintained properly, but modern diesel emissions systems demand regular motorway driving. If you mainly do short city trips, expect DPF and AdBlue issues. Budget at least €1,000/year for repairs beyond routine maintenance. The 2.0 HDi engine itself is robust, but surrounding systems are the weak points. Independent specialists can save 50% versus dealer costs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history Complete Citroën/DS dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000-20,000 km.
Tires Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension issues.
Cold start Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds.
Test drive Minimum 30 minutes including motorway speeds to test DPF regeneration and turbo boost.
Rough roads Drive on potholed roads to identify suspension issues and interior rattles.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for cold start timing chain rattle Start completely cold. Rattle lasting more than a few seconds indicates chain/tensioner wear (€700-€1,200 repair).
Verify DPF regeneration history Check service records for forced regenerations or DPF warnings. Multiple forced regens indicate short-trip usage.
AdBlue system check Look for white AdBlue crystals around exhaust. Check for warning messages on startup. Test AdBlue level sensor accuracy.
Test all dashboard warnings and lights EGR, DPF, AdBlue, turbo actuator issues all trigger dashboard warnings. Clear codes and test drive to see if they return.
Check for EGR valve carbon buildup Lumpy idle, hesitation around 1,500-2,000 rpm, and flat power below 2,500 rpm indicate EGR issues.
Suspension quality assessment Drive on rough roads. Early 2011-2013 models have poor ride quality. Check if dampers have been upgraded.
Manual: Test clutch and flywheel Feel for vibrations at idle with clutch out. Listen for rattling that stops when clutch is depressed.
Verify all recalls completed Check Takata airbag recall (urgent), fuel filter heater, suspension torque specs, timing belt tension, and steering torque.
Check for oil leaks from turbo Oil on the EGR valve or in intake pipes indicates turbo seal failure.
Test automatic gearbox (if equipped) EAT6 from Aisin is reliable, but check for smooth shifts, no PRND errors, no slipping into neutral unexpectedly.
Starter motor wire chafing (post May 2013)Wire routing correction
Gearbox actuator (Apr-Aug 2016)Component out of spec
The Takata airbag recall is a STOP DRIVE order - do not drive the vehicle until it's been fixed. Contact Citroën/DS with the VIN to verify all recalls completed. There are currently 10 safety recalls for the DS5. VIN is located on lower-left dashboard corner visible through windshield.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all 2011-2018 models
Corrosion warranty12 years - Check with dealer
Extended warrantyAvailable from independent providers
All DS5s are now outside their original factory warranty. Extended warranties are available from independent providers, but read the fine print - many exclude DPF, AdBlue systems, and emissions-related components which are the DS5's main problem areas. The corrosion warranty may still apply on newer examples.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.