Citroen C5

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 20 model years from 40,381 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

40,381

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (92%)

Years Covered

About the Citroen C5

The Citroen C5 was MOT tested 40,381 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 20 model years (2001 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 10,871 tests. The 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. With a 28 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 C5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2001) averages 116,552 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 25,060 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1200cc)

£1,175

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,630

Per month£136/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Citroen C5?

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

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

Best to worst year spread28 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Citroen C5 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	2,377	25,060 mi
2020	92%	10,871	30,371 mi
2019	89%	11,830	37,099 mi
2018	76%	46	42,159 mi
2016	84%	186	70,192 mi
2015	83%	320	88,761 mi
2014	79%	405	83,642 mi
2013	77%	653	96,254 mi
2012	77%	729	106,625 mi
2011	75%	1,045	113,766 mi
2010	72%	2,297	119,800 mi
2009	72%	3,341	119,720 mi
2008	71%	2,251	122,178 mi
2007	69%	731	118,303 mi
2006	72%	827	118,553 mi
2005	69%	596	119,716 mi
2004	72%	691	117,451 mi
2003	69%	554	126,405 mi
2002	66%	426	125,296 mi
2001	64%	205	116,552 mi

Questions about the Citroen C5

Is the Citroen C5 reliable?

Across its 20 model years in our data (2001 to 2021), the Citroen C5 averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 40,381 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year Citroen C5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Citroen C5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%, a 28 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.