Second-generation DS 4 on the Stellantis EMP2 platform, sharing its plug-in hybrid drivetrain with the Peugeot 308 PHEV, DS 7, and DS 9. The 1.6 PureTech petrol engine pairs with a 108 hp electric motor and 12.4 kWh battery through an Aisin e-EAT8 8-speed automatic. Available as hatchback or DS 4 Cross, with optional DS Active Scan suspension. Production of this variant ended in 2025 when the model was renamed DS N4.· more· less
Touchscreen goes blank, virtual cockpit crashes, voice assistant stops responding after OTA updates · more· less
Multiple owners report the 10-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster freezing or going completely black, sometimes mid-journey. The issue typically resolves after a full power cycle (stop engine, wait, restart), but can recur frequently. The DS Iris voice assistant has a documented failure mode where it stops working entirely after an over-the-air software update and does not recover with subsequent updates. One owner's car spent three months at a dealer waiting for a software fix. Dealers acknowledge this as a known issue but often cannot resolve it locally, directing owners to wait for future OTA fixes. While not safety-critical in most cases, loss of speedometer and climate controls during driving is disruptive. Software updates have addressed some cases, but others persist for months. Cost is usually zero if resolved by a software update; hardware replacement of the head unit or control module runs around €500-800 including coding.
12V auxiliary battery drain and P1059 error
up to €6002 of 7
12V batteries deplete when parked, triggering electric drivetrain failure warnings · more· less
The DS 4 E-Tense uses two 12V batteries (one under the bonnet, one under the rear armrest). Some owners report the hybrid battery losing 10-15% charge overnight, with the MyDS app identified as a likely drain source through background refresh and location tracking. Disabling background app tracking typically resolves mild overnight drain. In more serious cases, the P1059 fault code appears with 'electric drivetrain failure' warnings after the 12V system drops too low. The LVNSD module (low-voltage network supply device) manages the secondary battery and can fail, requiring replacement. If the 12V batteries themselves are degraded, expect €100-250 each. LVNSD module fuse inspection and replacement adds another €100-200 in labor. A trickle charger is strongly recommended if the car sits unused for more than a week.
Onboard charger (OBC) failure
up to €3,0003 of 7
Onboard charger stops accepting charge, requiring full unit replacement · more· less
The single-phase onboard charger, 3.7 kW as standard and 7.4 kW optional, can fail, preventing the car from charging the traction battery. Symptoms include the charge process starting but stopping after a few minutes, or the car refusing to begin charging at all. Diagnosis requires dealer-level software to distinguish OBC failure from a simple cable or EVSE fault. Replacement cost is approximately €2,500 for the part alone, with labor adding €500-800 due to the unit's location. This issue is shared across the Stellantis PHEV family (Peugeot 308 PHEV, 3008 Hybrid, DS 7 E-Tense). Early cars within warranty receive free replacement, but out-of-warranty repair is expensive.
Traction battery capacity loss over time
up to €5,0004 of 7
Real-world electric range commonly falls 20-30% below the claimed 55 km (62 km on cars built from October 2022) within the first 3 years · more· less
Owners widely report that the real-world electric range of the DS 4 E-Tense falls significantly below the WLTP claim of 55 km, which DS raised to as much as 62 km for cars built from October 2022. New cars typically achieve 35-48 km in mixed driving, and this can drop to 25-35 km after 2-3 years of use. While some range loss is normal for PHEVs, the 12.4 kWh battery is relatively small, so even modest degradation is noticeable. The battery is warranted for 8 years or 160,000 km with a 70% capacity guarantee. If the battery falls below the 70% threshold within warranty, DS covers replacement or reconditioning. Out-of-warranty, traction battery replacement quotes range from €4,000-5,000 for refurbished units at specialists, while dealer quotes for new packs can exceed €10,000. For most owners, the range simply becomes shorter rather than requiring outright replacement.
Charging cable temperature sensor defect (recall)
up to €2005 of 7
Faulty cable calibration can lead to overheating and fire risk during charging · more· less
DS recalled 3,202 DS 4 and DS 7 models built between February and May 2023 because the temperature sensor on the supplied charging cable was incorrectly calibrated. This could allow the cable to overheat during charging without triggering the safety cut-off, presenting a fire risk. The remedy is inspection and replacement of the cable at no cost under the recall campaign. If buying a used E-Tense from this production period, verify with DS using the VIN that the cable has been checked or replaced. If the original cable was lost and needs purchasing separately, budget around €150-200.
Sporadic alarm activation
up to €4006 of 7
Car alarm triggers randomly, often at night, without any intrusion detected · more· less
Several DS 4 and DS 7 owners report the car alarm going off at random intervals, sometimes in the middle of the night. The alarm siren sounds without the indicators flashing, which points to the siren battery or internal sensor rather than an actual security event. Common causes include a degraded backup battery inside the alarm siren unit, a corroded connector, or overly sensitive interior motion sensors. The fix is usually inexpensive: deactivating the internal motion sensors via the dashboard button, replacing the siren battery (€50-100), or cleaning and resecuring electrical connectors. If the alarm module itself needs replacement, expect €200-400 including labor.
Crimping weakness in the fuel pump quick coupling can cause a fuel leak and fire risk · more· less
A February 2025 recall affected DS 4 MHEV and PHEV models manufactured between March and September 2024. A weakness in the crimping of the quick coupling on the high-pressure fuel pump can cause a fuel leak in the engine compartment. Around 2,100 vehicles worldwide are affected. The fix involves inspection and replacement of the affected fuel line at no cost under the recall. Earlier E-Tense models are not affected. Verify recall status with a DS dealer using the VIN.
Moderate complexity, electronics are the main ownership concern
The DS 4 E-Tense 225 shares its proven 1.6 PureTech PHEV drivetrain with several Stellantis models, and the Aisin e-EAT8 gearbox, in which the electric motor and a wet multi-plate engine-disconnect clutch take the place of a torque converter, is generally more reliable than the dual-clutch alternatives used by Volkswagen Group competitors. The 1.6 PureTech uses a timing chain (not the problematic wet timing belt of the 1.2 PureTech), which removes a major anxiety point. The main ownership concerns are electronic rather than mechanical: infotainment glitches, 12V battery management, and charging system reliability. Verify all five recall campaigns are completed (towing-eye housing, curtain airbag, wishbone bolts, charging cable, fuel pump), keep the software updated, and charge regularly to preserve battery health.
Service history
Complete DS dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Check annual service intervals have been maintained.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. PHEVs are heavier than petrol equivalents, which accelerates front tire wear.
Cold start
Start the car completely cold. Listen for any unusual noises from the engine or hybrid system during startup.
Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes in both EV and hybrid modes. Test at motorway speeds and in stop-start traffic.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify all recall campaigns completed
Contact DS with the VIN. Check for towing-eye housing (2021 production), curtain airbag (May 2022), wishbone bolts (Jan 2023), charging cable (May 2023), and fuel pump coupling (Feb 2025) recalls.
Test infotainment and instrument cluster thoroughly
Cycle through all screens, test DS Iris voice commands, check CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Watch for freezing or black screens during a 20+ minute drive.
Check traction battery state of health
Request a battery health report from the dealer. Note the displayed EV range when fully charged. Anything consistently below 35 km suggests significant degradation.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Test the charging system with a cable
Plug in the car and verify it begins and sustains a charge. Check the charging port and cable for damage or corrosion.
Check 12V battery voltage with engine off
Both 12V batteries should hold above 12.4V with the car off. Low voltage suggests drain issues or aging batteries.
Ask about alarm history
Ask if the alarm has been going off randomly. Check the interior motion sensor deactivation button on the dashboard.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Towing-eye housing thread may fail, car can detach while under tow (12 May-20 December 2021 production)Verify completed
The DS 4 Mk2 has had five recall campaigns affecting specific production runs. Contact a DS Automobiles dealer with the VIN to verify which recalls apply to a specific car and whether they have been completed. The charging cable recall is particularly important for 2023-built E-Tense models due to the fire risk.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on 2021-2023 models, may remain on 2024-2025 cars
Traction battery (8 years / 160,000 km)Covers 70% minimum capacity; applies to the E-Tense plug-in hybrid, not the petrol and diesel DS 4
Paint perforation warranty (12 years)Active on all DS 4 Mk2 models
Early DS 4 E-Tense models (2021-2022) are outside the 2-year factory warranty. The traction battery warranty remains active until at least 2029 for the earliest cars. DS offers extended warranty packages through its dealer network, which may be worth considering given the electronics complexity.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
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.
