At a Glance
The Citroen C1 has 37 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 (2005-2014) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 1.7M 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 C1 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 C1 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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Most Common Citroen C1 MOT Failures
Every reason Citroen C1 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 | 12.16% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 10.96% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 10.22% |
| 4 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.28% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.23% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 5.06% |
| 7 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 4.83% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.80% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.67% |
| 10 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.30% |
| 11 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.83% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.27% |
| 13 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.68% |
| 14 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.89% |
| 15 | Front lamp not working | 1.84% |
| 16 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.23% |
| 17 | Airbag warning light on | 1.21% |
| 18 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.07% |
| 19 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.02% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.95% |
| 21 | Driveshaft fault | 0.94% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 0.92% |
| 23 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.81% |
| 24 | Position lamp not working | 0.74% |
| 25 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.64% |
| 26 | Rear suspension fault | 0.64% |
| 27 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.61% |
| 28 | Horn not working | 0.59% |
| 29 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.41% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 0.36% |
| 31 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.28% |
| 32 | ABS fault | 0.28% |
| 33 | Fog lamp not working | 0.28% |
| 34 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.27% |
| 35 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.27% |
| 36 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.26% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.25% |
| 38 | Rear lamp not working | 0.24% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 40 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.21% |
| 41 | Track rod end worn | 0.20% |
| 42 | Indicator fault | 0.20% |
| 43 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.19% |
| 44 | Front suspension fault | 0.18% |
| 45 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.16% |
| 46 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.16% |
| 47 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.16% |
| 48 | Parking brake condition | 0.15% |
| 49 | Brake lever fault | 0.15% |
| 50 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.14% |
| 51 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.13% |
| 52 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 53 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.12% |
| 54 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 55 | Steering rack fault | 0.12% |
| 56 | Engine oil leak | 0.12% |
| 57 | Electrical switch fault | 0.12% |
| 58 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 59 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 60 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 62 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 63 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 64 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 65 | Driver airbag fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Brake pedal fault | 0.06% |
| 68 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 69 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 71 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 73 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 76 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 77 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 79 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 81 | Brake caliper fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 85 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 88 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 91 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 92 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 93 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 95 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Steering arm worn | 0.01% |
| 99 | Steering free play excessive | 0.01% |
| 100 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 102 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 104 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 105 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 107 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 108 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 110 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 115 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 116 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 118 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 126 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 133 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 140 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 141 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 144 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 149 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 150 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 151 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 153 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 156 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 158 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 160 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 161 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 170 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 173 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 173 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Citroen C1 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Citroen C1, 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 C1 problems?
Based on analysis of 1.7M Citroen C1 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 37 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Citroen C1 generation has the most problems?
The Citroen C1 Mk1 (2005-2014) (2005–2014) has the highest number of identified common problems (41). 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 C1?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Citroen C1 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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