Citroen C3 MOT pass rate and common problems
72.5% of 271,407 Citroen C3 MOT tests pass.
The C3's pass rate of 72.5% is in line with the average across all Citroen models, at 71.7%.
The Citroen C3 passes 72.5% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Citroen C3?
This is the average across every Citroen C3 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 C3 tested at 0–3 years pass 94.3% of the time, compared with just 58.6% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.3% | 8,588 | 22,224 miles |
| 3–6 years | 89.5% | 49,983 | 33,081 miles |
| 6–10 years | 78.5% | 70,211 | 50,925 miles |
| 10–15 years | 63.9% | 101,190 | 81,582 miles |
| 15+ years | 58.6% | 41,435 | 84,068 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Citroen C3
The most common reason the Citroen C3 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 66.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 66.5% | Not working |
| Suspension | 36.3% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 24.1% | Significantly and obviously worn |
| Body, chassis, structure | 21.9% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Tyres | 21.2% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 14.7% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 8.5% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.2% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Road Wheels | 0.7% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Citroen C3: what to check
These checks follow the Citroen C3’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 C3 comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 78.5% to 63.9%. 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: 78.9% down to 64.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 66.5% of failed Citroen C3 MOTs. 43.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.1% 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 36.3% of failed Citroen C3 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 28.9% 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 24.1% of failed Citroen C3 MOTs. 14.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.1% 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. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 21.9% of failed Citroen C3 MOTs. 13.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion, against 0.7% at 0–3 years.
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. Tyres
Recorded in 21.2% of failed Citroen C3 MOTs. 9.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 2.1% 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.
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 Berlingo — 70.8% 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 C3?
- 72.5% of Citroen C3 MOT tests pass, based on 271,407 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Citroen C3?
- The most common reason the Citroen C3 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 66.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Citroen C3?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Citroen C3 are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 43.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.1% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Citroen C3?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; bodywork and corrosion; tyres. 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 C3'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.