At a Glance
The Citroen Xsara has 36 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Xsara (1997-2006) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 1.1M 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 Xsara 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 Xsara 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 Xsara MOT Failures
Every reason Citroen Xsara 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 | 8.96% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.15% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.43% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 5.84% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 5.67% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.48% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.61% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.51% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.40% |
| 10 | Driveshaft fault | 3.02% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.99% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.85% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.78% |
| 14 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.65% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.49% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 2.26% |
| 17 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.23% |
| 18 | Headlamp fault | 2.01% |
| 19 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.96% |
| 20 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.54% |
| 21 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.51% |
| 22 | Parking brake condition | 1.35% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.02% |
| 24 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.01% |
| 25 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.01% |
| 26 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.95% |
| 27 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.89% |
| 28 | Airbag warning light on | 0.87% |
| 29 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.76% |
| 30 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.74% |
| 31 | Chassis condition | 0.71% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.66% |
| 33 | Fog lamp not working | 0.65% |
| 34 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.56% |
| 35 | ABS fault | 0.56% |
| 36 | Rear lamp not working | 0.50% |
| 37 | Front suspension fault | 0.45% |
| 38 | Seat belt condition | 0.42% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.41% |
| 40 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.41% |
| 41 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.36% |
| 42 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.34% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.32% |
| 44 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.32% |
| 45 | Rear suspension fault | 0.27% |
| 46 | Steering rack fault | 0.25% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.22% |
| 48 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.21% |
| 49 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.20% |
| 50 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 51 | Brake fluid leak | 0.19% |
| 52 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.19% |
| 53 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.13% |
| 54 | Electrical switch fault | 0.12% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.11% |
| 56 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.11% |
| 57 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 59 | Brake caliper fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 63 | Spare wheel fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 65 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 66 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.05% |
| 70 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 71 | Driver airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 75 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 76 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 78 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 81 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 82 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 83 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 84 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 85 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Power steering ram fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 88 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 89 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 90 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 92 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 97 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 99 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 101 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 102 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 105 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 106 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 111 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 115 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 116 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 117 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 118 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 119 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 121 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 123 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 126 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 132 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 143 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 145 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 147 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 156 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 159 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 162 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 167 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 169 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 171 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 173 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 180 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 183 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 186 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 189 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 190 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Citroen Xsara MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Citroen Xsara, 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 Xsara problems?
Based on analysis of 1.1M Citroen Xsara MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 36 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Catalytic converter efficiency low". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Citroen Xsara generation has the most problems?
The Citroen Xsara Xsara (1997-2006) (1997–2006) has the highest number of identified common problems (47). 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 Xsara?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Citroen Xsara owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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