Citroen C1 MOT pass rate and common problems
76.1% of 228,444 Citroen C1 MOT tests pass.
The C1 has a pass rate of 76.1%, a little higher than the average across all Citroen models (71.7%).
At 76.1%, the Citroen C1 passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Citroen C1?
This is the average across every Citroen C1 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 C1 tested at 0–3 years pass 94.8% of the time, compared with just 61.0% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.8% | 4,000 | 15,228 miles |
| 3–6 years | 91.1% | 19,069 | 24,836 miles |
| 6–10 years | 83.5% | 75,757 | 46,990 miles |
| 10–15 years | 72.5% | 89,854 | 70,828 miles |
| 15+ years | 61.0% | 39,764 | 90,224 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Citroen C1
The most common reason the Citroen C1 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 54.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 54.9% | Not working |
| Brakes | 45.3% | Excessively binding |
| Suspension | 29.0% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Tyres | 23.6% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 16.3% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Body, chassis, structure | 13.7% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Visibility | 13.3% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.1% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Steering | 1.3% | Locking device missing |
| Road Wheels | 1.1% | Badly distorted |
Buying a used Citroen C1: what to check
These checks follow the Citroen C1’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 C1 comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 72.5% to 61.0%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 81.5% down to 70.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 54.9% of failed Citroen C1 MOTs. 33.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.3% 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. Brakes
Recorded in 45.3% of failed Citroen C1 MOTs. 25.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.4% 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.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 29.0% of failed Citroen C1 MOTs. 22.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.5% at 0–3 years.
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.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 23.6% of failed Citroen C1 MOTs. 9.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 2.8% at 0–3 years.
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. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 16.3% of failed Citroen C1 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 11.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
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 Berlingo — 70.8% 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 C1?
- 76.1% of Citroen C1 MOT tests pass, based on 228,444 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Citroen C1?
- The most common reason the Citroen C1 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 54.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Citroen C1?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Citroen C1 are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension. 33.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.3% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Citroen C1?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; tyres; exhaust, emissions and leaks. 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 C1'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.