Citroen C3
The Citroen C3 MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2016–2021 is 85.2% across 507,446 official UK DVSA tests. This report then covers more than 706,429 recorded defect notes for Citroen C3 models in that registration band. It shows common faults, MOT pass rates and maintenance trends to help you research the model before you buy.
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Citroen C3 models have performed at MOT over time — not just one vehicle.
- 85.2%
- MOT pass rateshare of recorded tests that passed
- 507k
- MOT tests analysed507,446 official DVSA records
- 706k
- defect notes recorded706,429 · advisory to dangerous
- 2016–21
- registration yearssnapshot 26 September 2026
A fleet outcome for Citroen C3 models registered 2016–2021 — not a reliability score, and not a verdict on one car. Always check the specific vehicle.
Key findings
What the MOT record says about the Citroen C3
- 85.2% MOT pass rate across 507,446 tests.
- 57% of recorded defect notes relate to owner maintenance.
- Tyres account for the largest volume of recorded MOT issues.
- Exhaust system insecure bracket is the most common recurring systemic issue in this extract.
- Headlamp alignment appears throughout the vehicle's life, from low to higher mileages.
Failure breakdown
How Citroen C3 MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category in this age band — not MOT tests and not number of vehicles.
- 56.6%Owner maintenance399,516 notes
- 23.1%Wear & tear162,957 notes
- 3.2%Systemic22,509 notes
- 17.2%Other121,447 notes
Advisory
574,302
81% of notes
Minor
26,715
4% of notes
Major
79,828
11% of notes
Dangerous
25,584
4% of notes
Most common owner-maintenance faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
- 1
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
116,981 notes5.2.3 (e)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
- Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
- Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 2
Headlamp aim too low
8,025 notes4.1.2 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
- Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
- Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 3
Windscreen washer not working
6,040 notes3.5 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
- Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
- Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 4
Side repeater slightly discoloured
4,254 notes4.4.3 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- An indicator repeater lens is faded or discoloured, which can reduce how clearly your signal is seen.
Why it happens
- UV exposure and age bleach plastic lenses, especially on higher-mileage cars.
Buyer tip
- Budget for a replacement repeater lens — usually a cheap fix compared with a failed test.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 5
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect
2,750 notes4.1.2 (c)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
- Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
- Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 6
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
1,652 notes5.2.3 (h)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
- Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
- Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 7
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
1,099 notes5.3.2 (b)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
- Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
- Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 8
Headlamp insecure
1,055 notes4.1.1 (c)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- The headlamp unit is not held firmly in place. Vibration can move the beam and leave you with poor night visibility or dazzle for other drivers.
Why it happens
- Mounting clips, brackets or crash-related repairs can leave the lamp unit loose.
Buyer tip
- Inspect the lamp mounts and any crash repairs around the front end before you buy.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
Most common wear & tear faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
- 1
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
382 notes8.2.1.1 (b)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
- Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
- Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 2
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
115 notes8.2.2.1 (b)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
- Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
- Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 3
Emissions not tested due to exhaust leak
85 notes8.2.1.2 (d)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
- Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
- Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 4
Exhaust mounting defective exhaust corroded
52 notes6.1.2 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
- Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
- Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 5
Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush
22 notes5.3.2 (c)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
- Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
- Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 6
Service brake excessively binding Bearing not tested.
18 notes1.2.1 (f)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
- Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
- Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 7
Emissions unable to be completed Exhaust Leak
8 notes8.2.2.2 (e)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
- Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
- Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 8
Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively discs scored
7 notes1.2.1 (e)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
- Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
- Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
- Usually wear related
Most common systemic faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
- 1
Exhaust system insecure bracket
2,515 notes6.1.2 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
- Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
- Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 2
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
1,220 notes8.2.1.2 (h)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
- Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
- Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 3
Brake pipe excessively damaged
840 notes1.1.11 (c)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
- Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
- Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 4
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
424 notes8.2.2.2 (g)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
- Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
- Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 5
Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Cracked
66 notes0.1 (b)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- The number plate is cracked, deteriorated or hard to read. Plates must remain legible and securely fitted.
Why it happens
- Age, stone chips, poor replacements or mounts that flex crack or fade plates.
Buyer tip
- Budget for legal replacement plates; check fixing and any bike-rack or tow-bar obstruction.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 6
Emissions not tested Engine Rattle
43 notes8.2.1.2 (d)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
- Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
- Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 7
Steering linkage fouling
25 notes2.1.4 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- When similar DVSA wording appears across many examples, it can reflect shared components or recurring model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 8
Exhaust emissions - engine idle speed too high
15 notes8.2.1.2 (e)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
- Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
- Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
Citroen C3 research summary
Based on over 507,446 official UK MOT tests, Citroen C3 models registered between 2016 and 2021 achieve a strong 85.2% MOT pass rate.
The majority of recorded MOT defects relate to routine owner maintenance, with tyres, lighting and washer systems accounting for most common faults seen on used examples in this age band.
Recurring systemic faults occur far less frequently, although exhaust system insecure bracket appears consistently across the dataset.
Overall, the data suggests that this generation of Citroen C3 is more likely to fail MOT due to maintenance items than widespread design faults, making service history and routine upkeep particularly important when buying used. Shoppers comparing a used Citroen C3 should treat this research summary as model-level context before inspecting any individual car.
What this report cannot tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Citroen C3 models can have very different maintenance histories.
Use it to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car — then check that car’s own MOT history.
Year by year
Recent category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 35,813 | 12,515 | 1,323 | 8,073 |
| 2022 | 56,440 | 21,147 | 2,167 | 12,982 |
| 2023 | 69,834 | 28,859 | 3,472 | 18,236 |
| 2024 | 85,400 | 36,004 | 5,247 | 26,050 |
| 2025 | 90,890 | 40,289 | 6,441 | 32,022 |
| 2026 | 37,405 | 16,966 | 2,961 | 14,550 |
All counts are defect notes.
How we classify MOT faults
We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.
- Owner maintenance
- Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
- Wear & tear
- Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
- Systemic
- Recurring wording and patterns across the model fleet that may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
- Other
- Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.
Dataset: 507,446 official UK DVSA MOT tests · 706,429 defect notes · 2016–2021 registrations · United Kingdom · snapshot 26 September 2026 · aggregated model-level MOT analysis.
Buying a used Citroen C3: practical MOT checks
- 1Measure tyre tread across the full width and check age (DOT date) before you buy.
- 2Ask for a full service history that matches the mileage.
- 3Compare this model with a peer in the same age band, not against a single registration check alone.
- 4Confirm any warning lamps (engine management, ABS, SRS) are investigated, not just cleared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Citroen C3 MOT pass rate for 2016–2021?
- In this extract, Citroen C3 shows a 85.2% MOT pass rate across 507,446 recorded DVSA tests.
What drives most Citroen C3 MOT defect notes?
- About 57% of recorded defect notes are classed as owner maintenance, with tyres among the highest-volume items.
Is this the same as checking one registration on GOV.UK?
- No. GOV.UK shows one vehicle. This page aggregates MOT outcomes for the Citroen C3 model in a fixed UK registration age band so you can research the model before you shortlist cars.
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