1999 Citroen Xsara petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Citroen Xsara first registered in 1999 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 153 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 153 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1999 Citroen Xsara petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1999 Citroen Xsara petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension35% 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.
- Lights and electrics30% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions29% 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.
- Brakes25% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks18% 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 1999 Citroen Xsara 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 Xsara?
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Other years
Every year of the Citroen Xsara compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,482 | Tyres 38% |
| 2009 | 6,833 | Suspension 39% |
| 2008 | 8,080 | Suspension 43% |
| 2007 | 14,432 | Suspension 43% |
| 2006 | 15,404 | Suspension 40% |
| 2005 | 9,627 | Suspension 47% |
| 2004 | 8,562 | Suspension 48% |
| 2003 | 5,663 | Suspension 47% |
| 2002 | 4,105 | Suspension 44% |
| 2001 | 2,532 | Suspension 44% |
| 2000 | 721 | Suspension 43% |
| 1998 | 198 | Brakes 45% |
| 1997 | – | 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 Xsara cars first registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score