2016 Citroen C4 Cactus diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Exhaust system10.2× usual
  Citroen C4 Cactus

  17.3% All 2016 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints7.5× usual
  Citroen C4 Cactus

  11.2% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, 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.

• Number plate lights4.2× usual
  Citroen C4 Cactus

  11.4% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Engine oil leaks3× usual
  Citroen C4 Cactus

  5.9% All 2016 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2016 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.

• Wipers2.3× usual
  Citroen C4 Cactus

  6% All 2016 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.6% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  27% 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
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  18% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% 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 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus 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 10.2× as often on the 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.5× as often on the 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?