Citroen C2 MOT pass rate and common problems
60.7% of 16,231 Citroen C2 MOT tests pass.
The C2 passes 60.7% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Citroen models (71.7%).
The Citroen C2 passes 60.7% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Citroen C2?
This is the average across every Citroen C2 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 stays relatively stable with age: 59.2% at 10–15 years versus 60.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 10–15 years | 59.2% | 2,598 | 81,473 miles |
| 15+ years | 60.9% | 13,633 | 85,685 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Citroen C2
The most common reason the Citroen C2 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 66.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 66.9% | Not working |
| Suspension | 64.2% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Brakes | 34.6% | Excessively binding |
| Body, chassis, structure | 34.1% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Visibility | 20.3% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 17.3% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 13.4% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 8.1% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Steering | 4.3% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.0% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Citroen C2: what to check
These checks follow the Citroen C2’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.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 81.3% down to 67.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 66.9% of failed Citroen C2 MOTs.
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 64.2% of failed Citroen C2 MOTs.
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 34.6% of failed Citroen C2 MOTs.
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. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 34.1% of failed Citroen C2 MOTs.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 20.3% of failed Citroen C2 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 C4 Grand Picasso — 70.7% pass rate
- Citroen Relay — 71.0% pass rate
- Citroen Nemo — 66.3% pass rate
- Citroen DS4 — 64.6% pass rate
- Citroen C4 Picasso — 79.3% pass rate
- Citroen C3 Picasso — 77.7% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Citroen C2?
- 60.7% of Citroen C2 MOT tests pass, based on 16,231 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Citroen C2?
- The most common reason the Citroen C2 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 66.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Citroen C2?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Citroen C2 are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Citroen C2?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; bodywork and corrosion; 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 C2'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.