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Citroen C3 Picasso reliability by build year

Coverage 2009-20171 named generationMPVDIESEL / PETROL

We've only got 1,191 MOT tests for Citroen C3 Picasso models built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

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

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

Check a Citroen C3 Picasso by number plate

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Citroen C3 Picasso models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

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

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Citroen C3 Picasso'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

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your C3 Picasso's generation

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

C3 Picasso Mk1

Mk1 (2009-2017)

Poor
DIESELPETROL

23.8% fail rate, built around 2017 (8 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 18.7%)

From 4,323 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 Picasso.

See every build year for the Citroen C3 Picasso

By age

Citroen C3 Picasso fail rate by age

This chart combines every Citroen C3 Picasso 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
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,19122.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,32323.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,49124.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
34523.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
27622.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
29125.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
14032.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
18233.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
17336.4%

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 15 years old.

All generations of this model

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

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

All generations of this modelEnough 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

    19.0%
    Advisory: 345Fail: 7 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.9%
    Advisory: 225Fail: 51 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    13.8%
    Advisory: 229Fail: 20 (8% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    9.3%
    Advisory: 113Fail: 11 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.7%
    Advisory: 107Fail: 16 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,191 MOT tests on 7-year-old Citroen C3 Picasso 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 Picasso models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Tyres35%
  2. Lighting + Tyres23%
  3. Brakes + Lighting19%
  4. Other + Tyres15%

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

Across 433 MOT tests on Citroen C3 Picasso 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 Picasso.

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

11 recalls in all

9 of the 11 Citroen C3 Picasso recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 8 more

Top concerns

  • Fuel may leak and create fire risk
  • The operation of the brake vacumn pump may be affected due to material detaching from the timing belt
  • Oil leak may damage engine

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

Like-for-like

Other people carriers to compare

Other people carriers to compare

  1. 1

    Kia Venga

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.7%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.8%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 22.7% for the Citroen C3 Picasso, both built around 2018.

    5,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Hyundai ix20

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.5%, against 22.7% for the Citroen C3 Picasso, both built around 2018.

    3,239 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.7%

    Lower fail rate: 17.7%, against 22.7% for the Citroen C3 Picasso, both built around 2018.

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

    1,057 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Verso

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90%

    Lower fail rate: 16.4%, against 22.7% for the Citroen C3 Picasso, both built around 2018.

    1,716 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 Picasso across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. It has the 4th lowest fail rate of 7 Citroen models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 1,191 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 Picasso ever sold: 8,412 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 1,191 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.