2003 Citroen C5 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Citroen C5 first registered in 2003 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 159 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 159 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 Citroen C5 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Citroen C5 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes44% 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 electrics42% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension30% 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.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors21% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks20% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Citroen C5 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Citroen C5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Citroen C5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 242 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 1,959 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 15,367 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 19,556 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | 304 | Tyres 23% |
| 2015 | 556 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 695 | Suspension 28% |
| 2013 | 1,051 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 1,090 | Suspension 39% |
| 2011 | 1,727 | Suspension 39% |
| 2010 | 3,535 | Suspension 41% |
| 2009 | 5,321 | Suspension 42% |
| 2008 | 3,583 | Suspension 44% |
| 2007 | 1,278 | Suspension 44% |
| 2006 | 1,298 | Brakes 41% |
| 2005 | 903 | Brakes 42% |
| 2004 | 1,112 | Lights and electrics 42% |
| 2002 | 726 | Brakes 42% |
| 2001 | 283 | Suspension 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Citroen C5 cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score