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Citroen C3 Aircross reliability by build year

Coverage 2017-present2 named generationsSUVPETROL / DIESEL
At a glance

Citroen C3 Aircross built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Citroen C3 Aircross models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Check a Citroen C3 Aircross by number plate

Key figure

19% of MOT tests on Citroen C3 Aircross models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Citroen C3 Aircross models built around 2018 involves the brakes.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Citroen C3 Aircross's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your C3 Aircross's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

M

Mk2 (2024-present)

DIESELPETROL
Too new for MOT figures: first MOTs due from 2027View details →
C3 Aircross Mk1

Mk1 (2017-2023)

Too close to call between ratings
DIESELPETROL

18.6% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 7,676 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Citroen C3 Aircross.

See every build year for the Citroen C3 Aircross

By age

Citroen C3 Aircross fail rate by age

This chart combines every Citroen C3 Aircross ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
6,5697.4%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
5,0989.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
6,88112.8%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
12,24416.2%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
7,67618.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
43421.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 8 years old.

Where it ranks

Where the Citroen C3 Aircross stacks up

Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates

Against other Citroen models

2nd of 7

2nd lowest fail rate of 7 Citroen models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the lowest third

Against other SUVs

72nd of 89

72nd lowest fail rate of 89 SUVs with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

Close to the middle third

Against the UK average

18.6%

The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Citroen C3 Aircross models

These issues come from 7-year-old Citroen C3 Aircross models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    20.6%
    Advisory: 2,312Fail: 48 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    17.8%
    Advisory: 1,905Fail: 146 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.6%
    Advisory: 1,532Fail: 118 (7% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    9.8%
    Advisory: 726Fail: 123 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.0%
    Advisory: 723Fail: 150 (17% of the times it was found)

Based on 7,676 MOT tests on 7-year-old Citroen C3 Aircross models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Citroen C3 Aircross models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Brakes + Tyres41%
  2. Brakes + Emissions & exhaust17%
  3. Emissions & exhaust + Tyres16%
  4. Brakes + Suspension12%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 2,432 MOT tests on Citroen C3 Aircross cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Citroen C3 Aircross.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

16 recalls in all

15 of the 16 Citroen C3 Aircross recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 15 recalls

Top concerns

  • Alternator protection
  • Citroen C3 C3 Aircross brake pedal bracket connection.
  • Citroen C3 C3 Aircross risk of brake bar welding breakage.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs to compare

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 18.6% for the Citroen C3 Aircross, both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 18.6% for the Citroen C3 Aircross, both built around 2018.

    4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.4%, against 18.6% for the Citroen C3 Aircross, both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 18.6% for the Citroen C3 Aircross, both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Citroen C3 Aircross across all generations combined fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. It has the 2nd lowest fail rate of 7 Citroen models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 7,676 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Citroen C3 Aircross ever sold: 38,902 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 7,676 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.