2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Citroen C3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,527 MOT tests in 2024. 48.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time48.6%
Failed or needed repairs51.4%
Typical mileage at test81,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,527 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.7%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.6%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.0%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.9%
    157 marked dangerous
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.4%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  10. Stop lamp: not working3.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics50.2%
  2. Suspension33.1%
  3. Brakes17.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.9%
  5. Body & chassis10.6%
  6. Tyres9.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks8.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.9%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.9%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Citroen C3?

In 2024, 48.6% of 2003 Citroen C3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,527 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Citroen C3?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; coil spring: fractured or broken; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Citroen C3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).