Citroen Common MOT Problems (2026)
Citroen models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 1,833,958 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Citroen MOT pass rate: 79%
Check Your Citroen's MOT History
See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
79%
Avg pass rate
21%
Avg fail rate
144
Models tested
Citroen Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citroen C8 | 33% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 2 | Citroen Xsara | 31% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 3 | Citroen Grand C4 Picasso | 30% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear | |
| 4 | Citroen C2 | 29% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 5 | Citroen Saxo | 29% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration |
Most Reliable Citroen Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
All Citroen Models by Fail Rate
Every Citroen model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C8 | 2007 | 62% | 37% | |
| Grand C4 Picasso | 2008 | 64% | 35% | |
| Xsara | 2001 | 66% | 34% | |
| Xsara | 2005 | 66% | 33% | |
| C3 | 2003 | 66% | 33% | |
| Xsara | 2003 | 66% | 33% | |
| Grand C4 Picasso | 2009 | 66% | 33% | |
| C8 | 2008 | 65% | 33% | |
| C4 | 2008 | 67% | 32% | |
| Xsara | 2007 | 67% | 32% | |
| Xsara | 2008 | 67% | 32% | |
| C2 | 2004 | 67% | 32% | |
| C3 | 2002 | 67% | 32% | |
| Saxo | 2000 | 66% | 32% | |
| Xsara | 2000 | 67% | 32% | |
| Saxo | 1997 | 67% | 32% | |
| C5 | 2002 | 66% | 32% | |
| Xsara | 2006 | 68% | 31% | |
| C3 | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| Berlingo | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| C3 | 2004 | 68% | 31% | |
| Xsara | 2004 | 68% | 31% | |
| C2 | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| Berlingo | 2002 | 68% | 31% | |
| Xsara | 2002 | 68% | 31% | |
| Grand C4 Picasso | 2010 | 68% | 31% | |
| C5 | 2007 | 69% | 31% | |
| C1 | 2007 | 69% | 30% | |
| C4 | 2007 | 69% | 30% | |
| C4 | 2009 | 69% | 30% | |
| C3 | 2007 | 69% | 30% | |
| C3 | 2008 | 69% | 30% | |
| C3 | 2006 | 69% | 30% | |
| C1 | 2006 | 69% | 30% | |
| DS3 | 2010 | 70% | 30% | |
| C4 | 2006 | 69% | 30% | |
| C2 | 2006 | 69% | 30% | |
| Berlingo | 2001 | 69% | 30% | |
| Saxo | 2002 | 69% | 30% | |
| C1 | 2005 | 69% | 30% | |
| C5 | 2005 | 69% | 30% | |
| Berlingo | 1999 | 69% | 30% | |
| C5 | 2003 | 69% | 30% | |
| Saxo | 1999 | 69% | 30% | |
| C4 Grand Picasso | 2014 | 68% | 30% | |
| C3 | 2010 | 70% | 29% | |
| C1 | 2008 | 70% | 29% | |
| C3 | 2009 | 70% | 29% | |
| C4 | 2010 | 70% | 29% | |
| Berlingo | 2008 | 70% | 29% |
Showing top 50 of 233 model/year combinations. View all Citroen models
Citroen MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Citroen cars?
The most common MOT problems on Citroen cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older Citroen diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the Citroen models with at least 1,000 tests, the Citroen C8 has the highest average fail rate at 33%.
Which Citroen model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Citroen C3 Flair + Puretech S/S Auto has the best MOT record of the Citroen models with at least 1,000 tests: 95% of its 1,329 MOT tests ended in a pass and 5% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Citroen?
The average MOT pass rate for Citroen is 79%, based on 1,833,958 MOT tests across 144 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 21% of MOT tests on Citroen cars ended in a fail.
Citroen Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Citroen model
Check a Specific Citroen
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.