At a Glance
The Citroen Ax has 53 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the AX (1986-1998) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 236K 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 Ax 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 Ax 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 Ax Generations
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Most Common Citroen Ax MOT Failures
Every reason Citroen Ax 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 | 19.26% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 10.73% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.49% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 5.27% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.91% |
| 6 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.51% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 3.50% |
| 8 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.41% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 3.40% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.92% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 2.68% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.68% |
| 13 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.57% |
| 14 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.47% |
| 15 | Stop lamp not working | 2.39% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.20% |
| 17 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.72% |
| 18 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.38% |
| 19 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.29% |
| 20 | Parking brake condition | 1.21% |
| 21 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.19% |
| 22 | Subframe mounting corroded | 1.09% |
| 23 | Chassis condition | 1.09% |
| 24 | Rear suspension fault | 0.97% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 0.78% |
| 26 | Front suspension fault | 0.74% |
| 27 | Fog lamp not working | 0.73% |
| 28 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.62% |
| 29 | Rear lamp not working | 0.56% |
| 30 | Horn not working | 0.48% |
| 31 | Seat belt condition | 0.43% |
| 32 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.41% |
| 33 | Track rod end worn | 0.39% |
| 34 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.34% |
| 35 | Electrical switch fault | 0.32% |
| 36 | Brake fluid leak | 0.30% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 38 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.25% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 40 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.23% |
| 41 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.22% |
| 42 | CV joint worn | 0.22% |
| 43 | Headlamp fault | 0.19% |
| 44 | Position lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 45 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.19% |
| 46 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.18% |
| 47 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.16% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.15% |
| 49 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 50 | Steering column fault | 0.13% |
| 51 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 52 | Steering rack fault | 0.12% |
| 53 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 54 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.10% |
| 55 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.10% |
| 56 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.10% |
| 57 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.10% |
| 58 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.10% |
| 59 | Body security fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Steering operation fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 63 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.08% |
| 64 | Steering lock fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | Spare wheel fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.07% |
| 67 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 68 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 69 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 70 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.06% |
| 71 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 72 | Speedometer fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Stub axle worn | 0.04% |
| 74 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 77 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.04% |
| 79 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 80 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.03% |
| 83 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 84 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.03% |
| 86 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 87 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 88 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 90 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.02% |
| 91 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 92 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 93 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 97 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 98 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 99 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.01% |
| 100 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 101 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 106 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 107 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 109 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 113 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 114 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 119 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 120 | ABS fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 124 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 125 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 129 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 131 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 135 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 139 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 141 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 147 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 150 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Citroen Ax MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Citroen Ax, 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 Ax problems?
Based on analysis of 236K Citroen Ax MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 53 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Citroen Ax generation has the most problems?
The Citroen Ax AX (1986-1998) (1986–1998) has the highest number of identified common problems (73). 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 Ax?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Citroen Ax owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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