2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Citroen Xsara MOT pass rate and common faults

810 MOT tests in 2024. 47.6% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

80Well below average
Passed first time47.6%
Failed or needed repairs52.4%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 810 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.5%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.7%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.4%
  4. Position lamp: not working5.2%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.2%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.4%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
  8. Stop lamp: not working3.7%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.6%
  10. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics35.3%
  2. Suspension27.0%
  3. Body & chassis23.0%
  4. Brakes20.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks12.2%
  6. Seat belts & airbags10.6%
  7. Steering9.8%
  8. Tyres9.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.4%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.3%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 2001 Citroen Xsara?

In 2024, 47.6% of 2001 Citroen Xsara cars passed their MOT first time, across 810 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Citroen Xsara?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Citroen Xsara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 80, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).