2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Citroen Xsara MOT pass rate and common faults

2,657 MOT tests in 2024. 48.4% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time48.4%
Failed or needed repairs51.6%
Typical mileage at test98,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,657 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working7.5%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.7%
  4. Stop lamp: not working5.9%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.7%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.0%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.8%
  8. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
    140 marked dangerous
  10. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics43.9%
  2. Suspension27.6%
  3. Body & chassis20.0%
  4. Brakes13.5%
  5. Seat belts & airbags8.8%
  6. Tyres8.8%
  7. Emissions & leaks8.6%
  8. Steering7.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.9%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.2%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.6%

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 2008 Citroen Xsara?

In 2024, 48.4% of 2008 Citroen Xsara cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,657 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Citroen Xsara?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Citroen Xsara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).