2009 Citroen C-Crosser: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Citroen C-Crosser?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Citroen C-Crosser than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes3.5× usual
  Citroen C-Crosser

  24.8% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Citroen C-Crosser

  17.8% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 3.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends3.3× usual
  Citroen C-Crosser

  16.1% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint dust cover3.6× usual
  Citroen C-Crosser

  14.8% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sub-frame2.7× usual
  Citroen C-Crosser

  16% All 2009 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2009 Citroen C-Crosser MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Citroen C-Crosser MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  62% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  48% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Citroen C-Crosser

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2009 Citroen C-Crosser as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Citroen C-Crosser as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2009 Citroen C-Crosser as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?