Citroen Dispatch MOT pass rate and common problems
69.7% of 67,042 Citroen Dispatch MOT tests pass.
At 69.7%, the Dispatch passes slightly less often than the average across all Citroen models (71.7%).
The Citroen Dispatch passes 69.7% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Citroen Dispatch?
This is the average across every Citroen Dispatch 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 declines noticeably with age, from 77.4% at 0–3 years to 58.8% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 77.4% | 2,770 | 46,161 miles |
| 3–6 years | 81.7% | 15,946 | 67,152 miles |
| 6–10 years | 70.6% | 22,546 | 96,492 miles |
| 10–15 years | 62.0% | 14,920 | 133,813 miles |
| 15+ years | 58.8% | 10,860 | 144,954 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Citroen Dispatch
The most common reason the Citroen Dispatch fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 79.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 79.4% | Not working |
| Body, chassis, structure | 35.4% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Brakes | 32.5% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Suspension | 32.4% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Visibility | 21.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 16.9% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.0% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 5.0% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.6% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.0% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Citroen Dispatch: what to check
These checks follow the Citroen Dispatch’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 Dispatch comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 81.7% to 70.6%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 67.7% down to 61.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 79.4% of failed Citroen Dispatch MOTs. 44.4% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 15.8% 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. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 35.4% of failed Citroen Dispatch MOTs. 27.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion, against 1.7% 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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 32.5% of failed Citroen Dispatch 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. Suspension
Recorded in 32.4% of failed Citroen Dispatch MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 34.5% 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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 21.9% of failed Citroen Dispatch 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 C1 — 76.1% pass rate
- Citroen C4 — 67.6% pass rate
- Citroen DS3 — 63.0% pass rate
- Citroen C3 Aircross — 88.0% pass rate
- Citroen Xsara — 57.4% pass rate
- Citroen C5 — 81.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Citroen Dispatch?
- 69.7% of Citroen Dispatch MOT tests pass, based on 67,042 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Citroen Dispatch?
- The most common reason the Citroen Dispatch fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 79.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Citroen Dispatch?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Citroen Dispatch are lights and electrics; bodywork and corrosion; brakes. 44.4% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 15.8% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Citroen Dispatch?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; bodywork and corrosion; brakes; suspension; 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 Dispatch'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.