CITROEN C5 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,377 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
2,377
Avg Mileage
25,060 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400
Is the 2021 CITROEN C5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 3 years old, 92% of CITROEN C5s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,377 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 25,060 miles.
How does the 2021 CITROEN C5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 CITROEN C5 has 25,060 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a CITROEN C5?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2021 CITROEN C5 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
CITROEN C5 by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific CITROEN C5?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 CITROEN C5
The 2021 CITROEN C5 is a city car with a 1200cc petrol engine. 2,377 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 25,060 miles at 3 years old, CITROEN C5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 CITROEN C5 Fuel Costs
The modest 1200cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 CITROEN C5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,400 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
CITROEN C5 Reliability Trend
Newer CITROEN C5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 CITROEN C5
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Alternatives to the 2021 CITROEN C5
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2019) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 124,950 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (same) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-4%) from 68,639 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (+1%) from 52,321 tests