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Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1 (2009-2017) reliability

At a glance

Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1 built around 2017: about average at the MOT

Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1 models built around 2017 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

24% of MOT tests on Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1 models built around 2017 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 Mk1 models built around 2017 involves the brakes.

Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1
poor reliability2009-2017MPVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 8,409 tests of C3 Picasso models registered 2009-2017.

About 1 in 40 C3 Picasso Mk1 MOTs (2.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,323 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 C3 Picasso Mk1 MOTs (5.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 4,323 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,18822.6%
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.

How the C3 Picasso Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the C3 Picasso Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 82,426 tests across 8 Citroen models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateCitroen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,18822.6%
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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Other people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the C3 Picasso Mk1.

  1. 1

    Kia Venga

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.8%

    Lower fail rate: 15.1%, against 23.8% for the Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1, both built around 2017.

    6,852 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Hyundai ix20

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 16.3%, against 23.8% for the Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1, both built around 2017.

    4,715 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Vauxhall Zafira

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.7%

    Lower fail rate: 21.6%, against 23.8% for the Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1, both built around 2017.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    14,375 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.2%
    Dangerous
    3.7%

    Lower fail rate: 17.0%, against 23.8% for the Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1, both built around 2017.

    1,292 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

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.

Recall context

11 recalls in all

9 of the 11 C3 Picasso Mk1 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.

How C3 Picasso Mk1 cars have aged

How C3 Picasso Mk1 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%468101214Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (3,089 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (2,992 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.1% (3,039 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (3,071 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (3,020 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (1,575 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.1% (1,544 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (1,461 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (1,452 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (1,352 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (167 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (221 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (167 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (204 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (229 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (183 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (183 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (191 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (188 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (173 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (181 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (171 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (190 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (182 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (177 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (85 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (80 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (94 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (83 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (75 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (88 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (90 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (95 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (93 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (98 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (99 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (93 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (93 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (95 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (94 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (65 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (59 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (50 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (55 tests, 2024 data)2009
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Citroen C3 Picasso models of this age

This list covers every Citroen C3 Picasso built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.

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

    18.7%
    Advisory: 1,162Fail: 22 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    16.4%
    Advisory: 1,021Fail: 58 (5% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.8%
    Advisory: 787Fail: 120 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    10.6%
    Advisory: 443Fail: 45 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.2%
    Advisory: 379Fail: 71 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,323 tests

Looking at a Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Citroen C3 Picasso Mk1 (2009-2017) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 4,323 8-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 8,409 MOT tests on Citroen C3 Picasso models first registered between 2009-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.