2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Exhaust system7.8× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  13.3% All 2016 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  23.5% All 2016 cars

  11.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints7× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  10.5% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 0.9% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Individual direction indicators9.8× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  4.9% All 2016 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Brake lights3.4× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  5.5% All 2016 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Brakes
  29% 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
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Driveshafts and joints
  11% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Suspension
  6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 7.8× as often on the 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?