2009 · 15 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2009 Citroen Xsara MOT pass rate and common faults

2,235 MOT tests in 2024. 53.4% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time53.4%
Failed or needed repairs46.6%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,235 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Stop lamp: not working8.0%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.3%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.1%
  4. Position lamp: not working4.7%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.4%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.4%
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.3%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    109 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.6%
  2. Suspension23.8%
  3. Body & chassis14.4%
  4. Brakes9.8%
  5. Tyres8.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags7.3%
  7. Steering5.9%
  8. Emissions & leaks5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.2%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)6.8%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.4%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.4%

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: stop lamp: not working. 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 2009 Citroen Xsara?

In 2024, 53.4% of 2009 Citroen Xsara cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,235 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 Citroen Xsara?

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

Is the 2009 Citroen Xsara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).