Citroen Berlingo MOT pass rate and common problems
70.8% of 269,215 Citroen Berlingo MOT tests pass.
The Berlingo's pass rate of 70.8% is in line with the average across all Citroen models, at 71.7%.
The Citroen Berlingo passes 70.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Citroen Berlingo?
This is the average across every Citroen Berlingo in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Citroen’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Citroen Berlingo tested at 0–3 years pass 81.6% of the time, compared with just 60.7% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 81.6% | 13,936 | 42,704 miles |
| 3–6 years | 81.3% | 61,691 | 57,413 miles |
| 6–10 years | 72.1% | 78,805 | 89,043 miles |
| 10–15 years | 64.7% | 67,719 | 115,601 miles |
| 15+ years | 60.7% | 47,064 | 119,691 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Citroen Berlingo
The most common reason the Citroen Berlingo fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 84.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 84.9% | Not working |
| Suspension | 30.5% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 26.7% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 19.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 19.3% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 19.3% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.3% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 6.5% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.9% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.7% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Citroen Berlingo: what to check
These checks follow the Citroen Berlingo’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Citroen Berlingo comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 81.3% to 72.1%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 87.3% down to 78.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 84.9% of failed Citroen Berlingo MOTs. 42.1% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 18.6% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 30.5% of failed Citroen Berlingo MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 24.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 26.7% of failed Citroen Berlingo MOTs. 18.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 7.6% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 19.4% of failed Citroen Berlingo MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 19.3% of failed Citroen Berlingo MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Citroen service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Citroen models
- Citroen C3 — 72.5% pass rate
- Citroen C1 — 76.1% pass rate
- Citroen C4 — 67.6% pass rate
- Citroen DS3 — 63.0% pass rate
- Citroen Dispatch — 69.7% pass rate
- Citroen C3 Aircross — 88.0% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Citroen Berlingo?
- 70.8% of Citroen Berlingo MOT tests pass, based on 269,215 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Citroen Berlingo?
- The most common reason the Citroen Berlingo fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 84.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Citroen Berlingo?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Citroen Berlingo are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 42.1% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 18.6% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Citroen Berlingo?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; tyres; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Citroen Berlingo's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Citroen service history guide for how to check and keep one.