2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Citroen Xsara MOT pass rate and common faults

1,301 MOT tests in 2024. 53.8% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time53.8%
Failed or needed repairs46.2%
Typical mileage at test107,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,301 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.5%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.7%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.1%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  6. Stop lamp: not working3.5%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.4%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.4%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics33.4%
  2. Suspension21.8%
  3. Body & chassis18.2%
  4. Brakes13.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.5%
  6. Tyres9.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks8.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags7.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.9%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.0%

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: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2001 XsaraAll Xsara years2003 Xsara →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Citroen Xsara?

In 2024, 53.8% of 2002 Citroen Xsara cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,301 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Citroen Xsara?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; 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. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Citroen Xsara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).