2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Citroen C3 MOT pass rate and common faults

15,705 MOT tests in 2024. 79.8% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time79.8%
Failed or needed repairs20.2%
Typical mileage at test39,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 15,705 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
    491 marked dangerous
  2. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.9%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.2%
    241 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  5. Exhaust system: system insecure1.1%
  6. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn1.0%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.0%
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.9%
  9. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.4%
  2. Tyres5.7%
  3. Brakes4.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks3.2%
  5. Body & chassis2.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.8%
  7. Suspension2.1%
  8. Steering0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.3%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.2%
  5. Exhaust system: system insecure6.0%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2018 Citroen C3?

In 2024, 79.8% of 2018 Citroen C3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 15,705 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Citroen C3?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; headlamp: not working on dipped beam; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2018 Citroen C3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).