At a Glance
The Citroen 2cv has 65 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 2CV (1948-1990) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 67K 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Citroen 2cv common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Citroen 2cv generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Citroen 2cv Generations
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Most Common Citroen 2cv MOT Failures
Every reason Citroen 2cv 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 | Exhaust system fault | 20.91% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 19.07% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 8.02% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.95% |
| 5 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 4.31% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.17% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.73% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 2.46% |
| 9 | Chassis condition | 1.88% |
| 10 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 1.80% |
| 11 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.66% |
| 12 | Subframe mounting corroded | 1.43% |
| 13 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 1.35% |
| 14 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.20% |
| 15 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.98% |
| 16 | Steering free play excessive | 0.89% |
| 17 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 0.88% |
| 18 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.86% |
| 19 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.85% |
| 20 | Driveshaft fault | 0.82% |
| 21 | Track rod end worn | 0.78% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 0.68% |
| 23 | Brake lever fault | 0.65% |
| 24 | Stop lamp not working | 0.64% |
| 25 | Steering rack fault | 0.58% |
| 26 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.56% |
| 27 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.53% |
| 28 | Front lamp not working | 0.51% |
| 29 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.51% |
| 30 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.41% |
| 31 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.39% |
| 32 | Dip switch fault | 0.36% |
| 33 | Engine oil leak | 0.36% |
| 34 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.36% |
| 35 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.36% |
| 36 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.33% |
| 37 | Position lamp not working | 0.31% |
| 38 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.31% |
| 39 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.31% |
| 40 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.29% |
| 41 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.29% |
| 42 | Brake caliper fault | 0.26% |
| 43 | Fog lamp not working | 0.26% |
| 44 | Steering lock fault | 0.26% |
| 45 | Driver door fault | 0.24% |
| 46 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.24% |
| 47 | Front suspension fault | 0.24% |
| 48 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.24% |
| 49 | Passenger seat fault | 0.24% |
| 50 | Driver seat fault | 0.23% |
| 51 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.21% |
| 52 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.21% |
| 53 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.21% |
| 54 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.21% |
| 55 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.20% |
| 56 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 57 | Rear suspension fault | 0.19% |
| 58 | Drag link end worn | 0.18% |
| 59 | Rear lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 60 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.17% |
| 61 | Propshaft fault | 0.16% |
| 62 | Electrical switch fault | 0.15% |
| 63 | Horn not working | 0.14% |
| 64 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.14% |
| 65 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.12% |
| 66 | Seat belt condition | 0.12% |
| 67 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 68 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.11% |
| 69 | Headlamp fault | 0.11% |
| 70 | Parking brake condition | 0.11% |
| 71 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.10% |
| 72 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 73 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 74 | Front passenger door fault | 0.09% |
| 75 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.09% |
| 76 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 77 | Towbar fault | 0.09% |
| 78 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.08% |
| 79 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 80 | Steering column fault | 0.08% |
| 81 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.08% |
| 82 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.07% |
| 83 | Speedometer fault | 0.07% |
| 84 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.06% |
| 85 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 86 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 88 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.06% |
| 89 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 90 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 91 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 92 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.06% |
| 93 | Exhaust leak | 0.05% |
| 94 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.05% |
| 95 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 96 | Spare wheel fault | 0.05% |
| 97 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 98 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 99 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.05% |
| 100 | Steering coupling worn | 0.05% |
| 101 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 102 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 103 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 104 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.04% |
| 105 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.04% |
| 106 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 107 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 108 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 109 | Brake pedal fault | 0.04% |
| 110 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.04% |
| 111 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 112 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.04% |
| 113 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.04% |
| 114 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.04% |
| 115 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 116 | Airbag warning light on | 0.02% |
| 117 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 118 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 119 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 120 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 121 | Steering box fault | 0.02% |
| 122 | Stub axle worn | 0.02% |
| 123 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.02% |
| 124 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 126 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.01% |
| 127 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 131 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 133 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 137 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 139 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 139 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Citroen 2cv MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Citroen 2cv, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Citroen 2cv problems?
Based on analysis of 67K Citroen 2cv MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 65 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Indicator fault". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Citroen 2cv generation has the most problems?
The Citroen 2cv 2CV (1948-1990) (1948–1990) has the highest number of identified common problems (87). Click the generation card above for the 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 2cv?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Citroen 2cv owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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