At a Glance
The Citroen C3 has 7 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk1 (2002-2009) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 2.9M 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 C3 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 C3 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 C3 MOT Failures
Every reason Citroen C3 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.39% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.16% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.71% |
| 4 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.16% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 6.32% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 5.76% |
| 7 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 5.66% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.77% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.22% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.91% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.88% |
| 12 | Driveshaft fault | 3.65% |
| 13 | Headlamp fault | 2.89% |
| 14 | Position lamp not working | 2.28% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.26% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.06% |
| 17 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.03% |
| 18 | Front lamp not working | 1.69% |
| 19 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.44% |
| 20 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.19% |
| 21 | Indicator fault | 1.12% |
| 22 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.90% |
| 23 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.74% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.73% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.68% |
| 26 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.59% |
| 27 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.58% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 0.57% |
| 29 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.50% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.43% |
| 31 | Seat belt condition | 0.41% |
| 32 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.39% |
| 33 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.34% |
| 34 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.33% |
| 35 | Rear suspension fault | 0.33% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.31% |
| 37 | Parking brake condition | 0.30% |
| 38 | Horn not working | 0.28% |
| 39 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.27% |
| 40 | Airbag warning light on | 0.27% |
| 41 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 42 | Steering rack fault | 0.25% |
| 43 | Rear lamp not working | 0.25% |
| 44 | Front suspension fault | 0.25% |
| 45 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.24% |
| 46 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.22% |
| 47 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.21% |
| 48 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.19% |
| 49 | Brake pedal fault | 0.15% |
| 50 | Chassis condition | 0.15% |
| 51 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.15% |
| 52 | Brake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 53 | Engine oil leak | 0.11% |
| 54 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.11% |
| 56 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 57 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.09% |
| 58 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 60 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 61 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 63 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Brake fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 65 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 66 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Steering column fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 70 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 71 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 72 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 74 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 75 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 76 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 79 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 80 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 81 | Brake caliper fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 83 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 86 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 93 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 96 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 97 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 100 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 102 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 105 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 107 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 109 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 110 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 111 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 115 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 117 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 121 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 126 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 144 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 148 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 152 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 154 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 155 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 165 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 167 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 168 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 170 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 172 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 177 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 180 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 181 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 183 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 184 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 187 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Citroen C3 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Citroen C3, 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 C3 problems?
Based on analysis of 2.9M Citroen C3 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 7 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Compression ignition emissions above threshold". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Citroen C3 generation has the most problems?
The Citroen C3 Mk1 (2002-2009) (2002–2009) has the highest number of identified common problems (11). 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 C3?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Citroen C3 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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