2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Engine oil leaks3× usual
  Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

  27% All 2009 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2009 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 emissions (catalyst)7.7× usual
  Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

  13.8% All 2009 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.5%, against 1.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

• Number plate lights2.2× usual
  Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

  17.7% All 2009 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.3% of all 2009 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
  Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

  12.5% All 2009 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.3% of all 2009 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 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  41% 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
  32% 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
  32% 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.

• Suspension
  31% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 7.7× as often on the 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?