Citroen C3 Mk3 (2016-2023) reliability
Citroen C3 Mk3 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Citroen C3 Mk3 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
21% of MOT tests on Citroen C3 Mk3 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Citroen C3 Mk3 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 90,637 tests of C3 models registered 2016-2023.
About 1 in 12 petrol C3 cars registered in 2022 (8%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 6,035 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 30 C3 Mk3 MOTs (3.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 19,889 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 25 C3 Mk3 MOTs (4.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 19,889 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk3 fail rate by age
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 9 years old.
How the C3 Mk3 compares
At each age below, see how the C3 Mk3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 76,016 tests across 8 Citroen models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
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 priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Exhaust
Worth checkingListen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the C3 Mk3.
- 1
Volkswagen up!
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 14.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96.7%
Lower fail rate: 14.2%, against 21.0% for the Citroen C3 Mk3, both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
15,657 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Suzuki Celerio
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.5%
- Dangerous
- 2.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 93.5%
Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 21.0% for the Citroen C3 Mk3, both built around 2018.
5,662 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Toyota Aygo
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.2%
- Dangerous
- 4.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96%
Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 21.0% for the Citroen C3 Mk3, both built around 2018.
25,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Skoda Citigo
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.6%
- Dangerous
- 3.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96.2%
Lower fail rate: 15.3%, against 21.0% for the Citroen C3 Mk3, both built around 2018.
6,553 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.
Recall context
83 recalls in all24 of the 83 C3 Mk3 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 5 Critical
- 19 more
Top concerns
- Left hand curtain airbag may not be to specification
- Right hand curtain airbag may not conform to specification
- Starter motor may not operate correctly
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on C3 Mk3 cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,056 cars.
How C3 Mk3 cars have aged
How C3 Mk3 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk3 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk3 cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 3% | 2% | 5% | 9% |
| Brakes | 9% | 10% | 12% | 16% |
| Emissions | 5% | 7% | 11% | 16% |
| Tyres | 10% | 13% | 17% | 19% |
| Lighting | 4% | 9% | 12% | 18% |
| Drivetrain | 1% | 1% | 1% | 10% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 1% | 0% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 338 to 1,099 cars at each age.
Mk3 variants compared
C3 Mk3 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each C3 Mk3 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- C320.8%18,079 tests
- C3 AIRCROSS18.4%6,967 tests
- C3 PICASSO20.7%463 tests
Diesel
- C322.9%1,808 tests
- C3 PICASSO23.9%728 tests
- C3 AIRCROSS20.8%708 tests
Most common issues on Citroen C3 models of this age
This list covers every Citroen C3 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 116.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 215.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 312.1%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 411.9%Advisory
Exhaust has a minor leak
- 510.5%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 19,889 tests
Looking at a Citroen C3 Mk3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Citroen C3 Mk3 (2016-2023) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 19,889 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.