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Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1 (2014-2018) reliability

At a glance

Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1 built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average

Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1 models built around 2018 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1?

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Key figure

24% of MOT tests on Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1 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 C4 Cactus Mk1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1
poor reliability2014-2018HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 19,953 tests of C4 Cactus models registered 2014-2018.

About 1 in 30 C4 Cactus Mk1 MOTs (3.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 7,268 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 C4 Cactus Mk1 MOTs (5.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 7,268 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
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,44123.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
7,26823.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7,36626.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,50928.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
36930.6%

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 10 years old.

How the C4 Cactus Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the C4 Cactus Mk1 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).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateCitroen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,44123.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
7,26823.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7,36626.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,50928.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
36930.6%

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the C4 Cactus Mk1.

  1. 1

    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 23.6% for the Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1, both built around 2018.

    5,662 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    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 23.6% for the Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1, both built around 2018.

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

    15,657 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 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 23.6% for the Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1, both built around 2018.

    25,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Suzuki Swift

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 23.6% for the Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1, both built around 2018.

    11,074 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

11 recalls in all

9 of the 11 C4 Cactus Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 8 more

Top concerns

  • Starter motor may not operate correctly
  • On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing be
  • The brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt

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

What has gone wrong on C4 Cactus Mk1 cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 305 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
12%
Emissions
10%
Drivetrain
5%

Wear items

Tyres
20%
Lighting
16%
Brakes
15%
How C4 Cactus Mk1 cars have aged

How C4 Cactus 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%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (4,880 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (4,635 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (4,632 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (4,487 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (4,431 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (5,087 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (5,045 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (4,950 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (4,933 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (4,892 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (2,673 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (2,561 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (2,523 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (2,423 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (2,274 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (321 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (310 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (300 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (304 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (319 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 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 car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension2%3%12%12%
Brakes5%11%15%17%
Emissions1%3%10%9%
Tyres10%12%20%27%
Lighting5%11%16%25%
DrivetrainNo figure2%5%11%
Corrosion0%0%1%1%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 135 to 305 cars at each age.

All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Citroen C4 Cactus models of this age

This list covers every Citroen C4 Cactus built around 2018, 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

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

    19.1%
    Advisory: 1,891Fail: 255 (12% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.9%
    Advisory: 1,495Fail: 153 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    12.6%
    Advisory: 853Fail: 128 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.2%
    Advisory: 1,070Fail: 191 (15% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    11.2%
    Advisory: 1,042Fail: 18 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 7,268 tests

Looking at a Citroen C4 Cactus Mk1?

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 C4 Cactus Mk1 (2014-2018) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 7,268 7-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 19,953 MOT tests on Citroen C4 Cactus models first registered between 2014-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.