2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Citroen Xsara MOT pass rate and common faults

1,786 MOT tests in 2024. 49.3% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time49.3%
Failed or needed repairs50.7%
Typical mileage at test111,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,786 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.0%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.6%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.5%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.3%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
  6. Stop lamp: not working3.8%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.8%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.7%
  9. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.5%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics38.0%
  2. Suspension26.8%
  3. Brakes19.8%
  4. Body & chassis16.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.1%
  6. Tyres10.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks8.7%
  8. Steering7.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm21.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.3%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.2%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Citroen Xsara?

In 2024, 49.3% of 2003 Citroen Xsara cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,786 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Citroen Xsara?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; position lamp: not working; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Citroen Xsara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 86, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).