2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Citroen C3 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,177 MOT tests in 2024. 49.7% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time49.7%
Failed or needed repairs50.3%
Typical mileage at test78,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,177 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.8%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.1%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.5%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.3%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.9%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5%
    189 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.4%
  8. Stop lamp: not working3.4%
  9. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics50.9%
  2. Suspension28.0%
  3. Brakes16.7%
  4. Body & chassis12.5%
  5. Tyres10.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks9.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.7%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.7%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2004 Citroen C3?

In 2024, 49.7% of 2004 Citroen C3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,177 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Citroen C3?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Citroen C3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).