Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1 (2019-present) reliability
Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1 built around 2021: more dangerous faults than average
Testers find a dangerous fault on Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1 models built around 2021 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at a Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1?
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Key figure
5% of MOT tests on Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1 models built around 2021 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 3% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1 models built around 2021 involves the tyres.
Based on 5,834 tests of C5 Aircross models registered 2019+.
About 1 in 9 diesel C5 Aircross cars registered in 2022 (11.2%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 757 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 75 C5 Aircross Mk1 MOTs (1.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2021 (4 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 2,136 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 C5 Aircross Mk1 MOTs (5.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2021 (4 years old).
Based on 2,136 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
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 5 years old.
How the C5 Aircross Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the C5 Aircross Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 48,865 tests across 9 Citroen models, built around 2021 (4 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.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
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.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
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 SUVs to compare
Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the C5 Aircross Mk1.
- 1
Lexus UX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.7%
- Dangerous
- 1.8%
Lower fail rate: 6.0%, against 11.0% for the Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1, both built around 2021.
4,973 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Lexus RX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 5.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.5%
- Dangerous
- 1.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.4%
Lower fail rate: 5.1%, against 11.0% for the Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1, both built around 2021.
1,784 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Toyota Yaris Cross
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.6%
- Dangerous
- 1.2%
Lower fail rate: 7.0%, against 11.0% for the Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1, both built around 2021.
1,425 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Suzuki Vitara
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.5%
- Dangerous
- 2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.9%
Lower fail rate: 7.5%, against 11.0% for the Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1, both built around 2021.
6,708 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 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
21 recalls in all19 of the 21 C5 Aircross Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 5 Critical
- 14 more
Top concerns
- Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV traction battery
- Citroen C5 Aircross traction battery.
- Citroen fuel pipe
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Most common issues on Citroen C5 Aircross models of this age
This list covers every Citroen C5 Aircross built around 2021, 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
- 122.6%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.8%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 311.1%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 49.0%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 53.6%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 2,136 tests
Looking at a Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Citroen C5 Aircross Mk1 (2019-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 2,136 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.