2010 Citroen C3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Citroen C3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Citroen C3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Citroen C3

  25.2% All 2010 cars

  14.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 2010 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.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Citroen C3

  17.5% All 2010 cars

  8.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Citroen C3

  15% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2% of all 2010 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.

• Track rod ends2.6× usual
  Citroen C3

  12.8% All 2010 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.5% of all 2010 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 joint2× usual
  Citroen C3

  12.7% All 2010 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 3.3% of all 2010 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.

Common 2010 Citroen C3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Citroen C3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  37% 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.

• 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% 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.

• 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.

Known faults on the 2010 Citroen C3 diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Alternator failure

  All engines

  Headlights that brighten and dim are an early sign of a failing alternator, which will then flatten the battery.

  At the viewing: Watch the lights with the engine idling, and ask whether the battery keeps going flat.

  If it needs doing: Alternator, about £150–£400. ClickMechanic

  Source: Haynes: Citroen C3 Mk2 common problems

• Brake light switch

  All engines

  A faulty brake light switch can leave the brake lights on or stop cruise control working.

  At the viewing: Ask someone to watch the brake lights as you press and release the pedal.

  Source: Haynes: Citroen C3 Mk2 common problems

• Seized handbrake

  All engines

  The rear drum handbrake lever can seize, so the handbrake won't hold or won't release fully.

  At the viewing: Test that the handbrake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

  Source: Haynes: Citroen C3 Mk2 common problems

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Citroen C3 diesel

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

1. Has the alternator or battery been replaced?
2. Have there been any warning lights?
3. When were the rear brakes last done?
4. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2010 Citroen C3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2010 Citroen C3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2010 Citroen C3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)