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DS Car Finance Mis-Selling — FCA Investigation

Last updated: 21 June 2026

DS cars, manufactured by French automaker PSA Group (now Stellantis), were commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the FCA investigation period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This period saw a significant focus on motor finance practices, leading to a major investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). ## How DS Cars Were Financed DS cars were often financed through several lenders including Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. These agreements typically involved PCP plans that allowed customers to pay monthly instalments for a car with the option to return it at the end of the agreement or purchase it outright for its Guaranteed Future Value (GFV). Hire Purchase agreements provided ownership after all payments were made. ## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation The FCA conducted an investigation into motor finance practices, particularly focusing on discretionary commission arrangements that may have misled customers. These arrangements allowed lenders and dealers to receive additional commissions beyond the standard fees for completing a loan or lease agreement. As a result of this investigation, it was found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) could be affected by mis-selling issues, with an average compensation payment per claimant estimated at £829 (FCA estimate). The total potential impact on the industry is estimated to be around £7.5 billion (FCA estimate). ## How to Check Your Agreement These include overly complex terms and conditions, hidden fees, or incentives that seemed too good to be true at the time of purchase. The relevant timeframe is from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. If your agreement was made during this period and you suspect it may have been mis-sold, reviewing your contract details and contacting your lender for clarification can provide clarity. ## How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free If you believe that your DS car finance agreement might have been affected by the FCA's findings on discretionary commissions, you do not need a claims management company. You can complain directly to your lender at no cost to you. Common lenders for DS cars include Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. Each of these companies has established procedures for handling complaints and providing compensation when appropriate. By following their complaint processes, you can seek resolution without incurring fees or engaging third-party services. ## Sources and References - Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). "Motor Finance Mis-selling Investigation". FCA estimate figures. - Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021

FCA Compensation: FCA Scheme Figures

The FCA confirmed on 30 March 2026 that 12.1 million motor finance agreements are covered by the FCA redress scheme. The FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per agreement, with a total of £7.5 billion set aside for consumers. The scheme covers PCP and HP agreements entered into between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.

Two separate schemes apply: post-2014 agreements (implement by 30 June 2026) and pre-2014 agreements (implement by 31 August 2026). The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company.

DS MOT Pass Rate — 2024 Data

Across 44,260 MOT tests in 2024, DS vehicles have an overall pass rate of 79.4%. This is close to the national average of 79.6%. DVSA data covers 16 DS models with sufficient test volume.

Overall pass rate: 79.4%
Total MOT tests (2024): 44,260
Models with data: 16
National average: 79.6%

Best DS models for MOT pass rate

DS Ds 3 Crossback Ultra Prstge Ev: 88.7% pass rate (521 tests)
DS Ds7: 85.8% pass rate (1,843 tests)
DS Ds5: 81.4% pass rate (1,342 tests)
DS Ds3: 78.5% pass rate (32,649 tests)
DS Ds4: 77.2% pass rate (5,104 tests)

DS MOT Reliability Trend (2022-2024)

DS MOT pass rates have declined slightly, from 83.3% in 2022 to 79.4% in 2024 (-3.9 percentage points).

2022: 83.3% pass rate (44,964 tests)
2023: 80.7% pass rate (48,415 tests)
2024: 79.4% pass rate (44,260 tests)

Based on 137,639 MOT tests across three years (DVSA open data).

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DS motor finance mis-selling?

DS motor finance mis-selling refers to situations where customers are sold inappropriate or unfair car financing agreements by DS dealerships. This can include products that do not suit the customer's financial situation, such as high-interest loans and complex repayment terms.

How many people have been affected by DS motor finance mis-selling?

From 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) were entered into across the UK market, and it is possible that a significant number of these may have involved inappropriate sales practices by DS dealerships.

What should I do if I suspect I was mis-sold motor finance through DS?

If you believe you were mis-sold motor finance from DS, you can complain directly to your lender for free and seek redress without needing a claims management company. It is advisable to gather all relevant documentation such as loan agreements and correspondence with the dealership.

How much could I potentially recover if I was mis-sold motor finance by DS?

The average amount recovered for successful complaints related to motor finance mis-selling is £829 (FCA estimate). This can vary based on individual circumstances and the nature of the mis-selling.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.