1998 Citroen Xantia: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Citroen Xantia first registered in 1998: we looked at the 140 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 140 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1998 Citroen Xantia MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1998 Citroen Xantia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks30% 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.
- 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.
- Brakes26% 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 electrics21% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions16% 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 1998 Citroen Xantia
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 Xantia?
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 Xantia compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | 347 | Suspension 44% |
| 1999 | 211 | Suspension 38% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | 108 | Suspension 35% |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
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 Xantia cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score