2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 Citroen C5 MOT pass rate and common faults

351 MOT tests in 2024. 56.7% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time56.7%
Failed or needed repairs43.3%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 351 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.8%
  2. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side4.3%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.0%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.7%
  6. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.4%
  7. Air/gas/fluid suspension - pipes: leaking3.1%
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.8%
  9. Stop lamp: not working2.8%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    16 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics40.2%
  2. Brakes29.3%
  3. Suspension19.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.1%
  5. Emissions & leaks6.3%
  6. Tyres5.4%
  7. Body & chassis4.8%
  8. Steering4.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.4%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.7%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak11.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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 C5?

In 2024, 56.7% of 2004 Citroen C5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 351 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Citroen C5?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; parking brake performance: inoperative on one side; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Citroen C5 reliable at MOT time?

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