2020 Citroen C5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Citroen C5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Citroen C5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Number plate lights13× usual
  Citroen C5

  9.1% All 2020 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.2% of all 2020 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.

• Brake pads1.6× usual
  Citroen C5

  12.7% All 2020 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.4% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Brake discs1.6× usual
  Citroen C5

  12% All 2020 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 2020 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) joints6× usual
  Citroen C5

  2.4% All 2020 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2020 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.

Common 2020 Citroen C5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 Citroen C5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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
  20% 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
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  3% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  2% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 Citroen C5 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 number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 13× as often on the 2020 Citroen C5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2020 Citroen C5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2020 Citroen C5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?