Citroen C3

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 20 model years from 327,173 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

327,173

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (95%)

Years Covered

About the Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 was MOT tested 327,173 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 20 model years (2002 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95% from 2,263 tests. The 2003 model has the lowest at 66%. With a 29 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Citroen C3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2002) averages 92,973 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 22,520 miles.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1199cc)

£1,177

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,632

Per month£136/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Citroen C3?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs Citroen brand average-3% (79% avg)

Best to worst year spread29 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Citroen C3 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	95%	2,263	22,520 mi
2020	92%	8,971	27,660 mi
2019	90%	21,008	34,490 mi
2018	87%	27,579	42,489 mi
2017	83%	26,229	48,621 mi
2016	81%	14,550	49,050 mi
2015	80%	20,260	57,154 mi
2014	78%	23,397	63,397 mi
2013	75%	23,764	72,482 mi
2012	74%	27,170	78,633 mi
2011	72%	28,478	86,832 mi
2010	70%	34,884	92,470 mi
2009	70%	18,371	90,369 mi
2008	69%	9,548	82,491 mi
2007	69%	10,339	83,180 mi
2006	69%	9,119	82,871 mi
2005	68%	7,830	85,484 mi
2004	68%	6,480	84,830 mi
2003	66%	5,188	87,266 mi
2002	67%	1,745	92,973 mi

Questions about the Citroen C3

Is the Citroen C3 reliable?

Across its 20 model years in our data (2002 to 2021), the Citroen C3 averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 327,173 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 95%.

Which year Citroen C3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Citroen C3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 66%, a 29 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.