2005 Citroen C4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Citroen C4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Citroen C4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Citroen C4

  26.8% All 2005 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1.1% of all 2005 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.3× usual
  Citroen C4

  16.2% All 2005 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Shock absorbers2× usual
  Citroen C4

  13.5% All 2005 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  Citroen C4

  13.5% All 2005 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 3.3% of all 2005 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.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Citroen C4

  11.8% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 Citroen C4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Citroen C4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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
  45% 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
  43% 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.

• Steering
  17% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Driveshafts and joints
  14% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Known faults on the 2005 Citroen C4 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.

• Fire, brake and airbag recalls

  All engines

  There were five recalls, including a short circuit fire risk, possible loss of braking efficiency and front airbags that might not deploy properly.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg and ask for proof the work was done.

  Source: What Car?: Citroen C4 (2005-2010) reliability

• Cruise control and limiter glitches

  All engines

  Electrical glitches have affected the speed limiter and cruise control, and the radio can lose its stations.

  At the viewing: Try the cruise control and speed limiter on the test drive.

  Source: What Car?: Citroen C4 (2005-2010) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Citroen C4 diesel

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

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2005 Citroen C4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2005 Citroen C4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Citroen C4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?