DS3 eTense with 23,000 km: 20 Months of Repairs and Ongoing Challenges
Our repair shop has encountered significant difficulties with a DS3 eTense, purchased with high expectations but plagued by engineering and warranty issues. After just 23,000 km, the vehicle required repairs that have stretched over 20 months, highlighting several systemic challenges in the EV industry.
One key issue we face is the lack of support for independent repair shops, including limited access to diagrams, software, updates, parts, and specialized tools. Requests for assistance often go unanswered, with claims that it is “not their responsibility.” This lack of access appears to conflict with EU Regulation 2018/858, Article 61, which mandates fair access to vehicle repair information for independent workshops.
While manufacturers such as Tesla and Mercedes grant access within a day, we have waited weeks for Fiat and Citroën accounts to clear faults. Authorized service centers, meanwhile, often lack adequate training and resources, leading to prolonged repair times and increased costs for vehicle owners. In this case, the vehicle remains non-functional despite extensive repairs, including replacing the motor, inverters, and MCU at a cost of €5,000. The suggested further repairs would cost an additional €12,500, with no guarantee of resolving the root cause.
A significant concern is that the extended warranty is tied to minor services. For example, missing a wiper replacement can reportedly void the battery warranty, which appears disproportionate and adds to owner frustration. Additionally, the diagnostic tools available, whether OEM or aftermarket, do not provide adequate access for advanced troubleshooting, making repairs unnecessarily complex and costly.
This vehicle, like many others, may become unrepairable once out of warranty due to the high costs of parts and the lack of repair infrastructure. This poses a risk of EVs prematurely ending up in scrapyards, undermining the transition to sustainable mobility.
Part number: 9839833580
Supplier: Continental
OEM Repair: 12500€
Case: Warranty r-a-p-e
