At a Glance
Citroen has 230 identified common problems across 48 models, with the 2cv being the most affected model and electrical the most common problem category. Based on 21.0M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Citroen common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 21.0M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Citroen models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Citroen owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Citroen owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Citroen?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Citroen Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 48 Citroen models.
Berlingo
Most common: Brakes
C3
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Xsara Picasso
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
C4
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
C1
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Saxo
Most common: Brakes
Xsara
Most common: Brakes
Relay
Most common: Brakes
Dispatch
Most common: Brakes
Most Common Citroen MOT Failures
Every reason Citroen vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.62% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.92% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.19% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.83% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.96% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 5.45% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 4.66% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.34% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.94% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.62% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.28% |
| 12 | Driveshaft fault | 3.17% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.89% |
| 14 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.63% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.37% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 2.18% |
| 17 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.08% |
| 18 | Position lamp not working | 1.54% |
| 19 | Headlamp fault | 1.22% |
| 20 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.06% |
| 21 | Indicator fault | 0.98% |
| 22 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.91% |
| 23 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.87% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.84% |
| 25 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.79% |
| 26 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.75% |
| 27 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.72% |
| 28 | Rear lamp not working | 0.69% |
| 29 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.69% |
| 30 | Fog lamp not working | 0.63% |
| 31 | Airbag warning light on | 0.57% |
| 32 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.56% |
| 33 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.55% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.53% |
| 35 | Chassis condition | 0.51% |
| 36 | Horn not working | 0.51% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.49% |
| 38 | Parking brake condition | 0.46% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.46% |
| 40 | Front suspension fault | 0.45% |
| 41 | ABS fault | 0.38% |
| 42 | Rear suspension fault | 0.36% |
| 43 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.33% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.27% |
| 45 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.26% |
| 46 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.25% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 48 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.21% |
| 49 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 50 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.18% |
| 51 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.17% |
| 52 | Brake pedal fault | 0.15% |
| 53 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.15% |
| 54 | Brake fluid leak | 0.15% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.13% |
| 56 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.11% |
| 57 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 58 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 60 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.08% |
| 62 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 63 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 64 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.07% |
| 65 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 67 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 69 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 70 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Steering free play excessive | 0.05% |
| 73 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 74 | Steering arm worn | 0.05% |
| 75 | Spare wheel fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 79 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 82 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 84 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 87 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 89 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 90 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 91 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 92 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 93 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 94 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 98 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 101 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 102 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 106 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 110 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.01% |
| 112 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 114 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 116 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 117 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.01% |
| 118 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 119 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 120 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 124 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 126 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 127 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 128 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 129 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 138 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 141 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 146 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 147 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 154 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 155 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 163 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 167 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 169 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 172 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 173 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 178 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 179 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 180 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 183 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 185 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 187 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 190 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 191 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 192 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 194 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 195 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 197 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 198 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 199 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 200 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 202 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 203 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 204 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
Showing all 204 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Citroen MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Citroen, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Citroen problems?
Based on analysis of 21.0M Citroen MOT tests from DVSA data, Citroen has 230 identified common problems across 48 models. The Citroen 2cv has the most recorded problems. Electrical issues are the most common category.
Which Citroen model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Citroen 2cv has the highest count with 68 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Citroen models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Citroen?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Citroen owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
Popular makes with common problems
Popular models with common problems
Austin Mini
109 problems
Nissan Pathfinder
67 problems
Citroen Ax
73 problems
Vauxhall Combo
68 problems
Citroen C15
80 problems
London Taxis Int Tx4
82 problems
Iveco Daily
102 problems
Mitsubishi Shogun Sport
68 problems
Ford Transit
125 problems
Citroen Relay
80 problems
Morris Minor
83 problems
Citroen 2cv
87 problems
