At a Glance
The Citroen C4 Picasso has 16 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 (2006-2013) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 435K 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 C4 Picasso 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 C4 Picasso 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 C4 Picasso Generations
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Most Common Citroen C4 Picasso MOT Failures
Every reason Citroen C4 Picasso 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 | 15.77% |
| 2 | Front lamp not working | 9.16% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 8.92% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 8.28% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 7.19% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.00% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 6.84% |
| 8 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.45% |
| 9 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.52% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.72% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.92% |
| 12 | Driveshaft fault | 1.94% |
| 13 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.72% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.46% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 0.99% |
| 16 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.90% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.90% |
| 18 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.80% |
| 19 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.77% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 0.73% |
| 21 | Rear lamp not working | 0.58% |
| 22 | Airbag warning light on | 0.50% |
| 23 | Seat belt condition | 0.49% |
| 24 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.48% |
| 25 | Track rod end worn | 0.42% |
| 26 | Exhaust system fault | 0.42% |
| 27 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.40% |
| 28 | ABS fault | 0.37% |
| 29 | Headlamp fault | 0.34% |
| 30 | Position lamp not working | 0.29% |
| 31 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.29% |
| 32 | Brake pedal fault | 0.25% |
| 33 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.25% |
| 34 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.22% |
| 35 | Rear suspension fault | 0.22% |
| 36 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.20% |
| 37 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.19% |
| 38 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.17% |
| 40 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.16% |
| 41 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.15% |
| 42 | Front suspension fault | 0.14% |
| 43 | Steering rack fault | 0.12% |
| 44 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.12% |
| 45 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 46 | Steering operation fault | 0.12% |
| 47 | Brake caliper fault | 0.11% |
| 48 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.11% |
| 49 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 50 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.10% |
| 51 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 52 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 53 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.07% |
| 54 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.07% |
| 55 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 56 | Parking brake condition | 0.06% |
| 57 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 58 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 59 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.05% |
| 60 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 61 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 62 | Driver airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 63 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 64 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 65 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 66 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 67 | Spare wheel fault | 0.03% |
| 68 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 69 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 70 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.02% |
| 71 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 72 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 73 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.02% |
| 74 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 75 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 76 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.02% |
| 77 | Brake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 78 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 79 | Chassis condition | 0.01% |
| 80 | Steering free play excessive | 0.01% |
| 81 | Engine oil leak | 0.01% |
| 82 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 83 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 84 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 85 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.01% |
| 87 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 88 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 89 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 90 | Steering lock fault | <0.01% |
| 91 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 92 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 93 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 94 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 95 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 97 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 98 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 99 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 100 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 102 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 104 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 107 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 109 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 110 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 112 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 113 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 114 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 118 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 123 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 127 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 129 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 139 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 150 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
Showing all 152 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Citroen C4 Picasso MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Citroen C4 Picasso, 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 C4 Picasso problems?
Based on analysis of 435K Citroen C4 Picasso MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 16 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Front lamp not working". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Citroen C4 Picasso generation has the most problems?
The Citroen C4 Picasso Mk1 (2006-2013) (2006–2013) has the highest number of identified common problems (21). 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 C4 Picasso?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Citroen C4 Picasso owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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