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Citroen C5 Mk2 (2008-2017) reliability

Not enough data

Citroen C5 Mk2 built around 2016: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Citroen C5 Mk2 models built around 2016 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Citroen C5 Mk2?

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

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Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

Citroen C5 Mk2
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2008-2017HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 6,540 tests of C5 models registered 2008-2017.

Mk2 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
18726.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
25924.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
37926.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
41929.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
56929.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
88730.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,65432.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,62134.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
56531.7%

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 16 years old.

How the C5 Mk2 compares

At each age below, see how the C5 Mk2 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 102,729 tests across 10 Citroen models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateCitroen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
18726.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
25924.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
37926.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
41929.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
56929.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
88730.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,65432.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,62134.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
56531.7%

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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 C5 Mk2.

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.5%
    Dangerous
    4.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 13.4%, against 26.2% for the Citroen C5 Mk2, both built around 2016.

    3,562 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 26.2% for the Citroen C5 Mk2, both built around 2016.

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

    54,681 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Golf

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.9%

    Lower fail rate: 14.5%, against 26.2% for the Citroen C5 Mk2, both built around 2016.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    78,317 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 16.5%, against 26.2% for the Citroen C5 Mk2, both built around 2016.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    19,041 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Citroen C5.

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

24 recalls in all

13 of the 24 C5 Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 11 more

Top concerns

  • Airbag may incorrectly deploy
  • Fuel may leak onto engine
  • Starter supply wire may chafe

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

What has gone wrong on C5 Mk2 cars built around 2016

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 167 cars.

Structural systems

Drivetrain
3%
Suspension
2%
Emissions
1%

Wear items

Tyres
19%
Brakes
8%
Lighting
5%
How C5 Mk2 cars have aged

How C5 Mk2 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%57911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (102 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (94 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (101 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (101 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (87 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (156 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (158 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (159 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (156 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (142 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (189 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (205 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (180 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (185 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (178 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (299 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (293 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (285 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (284 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (244 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (363 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (368 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (308 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (292 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (279 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (640 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (568 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (515 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (452 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (371 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (1,614 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (1,435 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (1,192 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (979 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (776 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (2,562 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (2,178 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (1,681 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (1,266 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.5% (943 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (1,545 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (1,241 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (1,045 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (752 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (565 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Citroen C5 models of this age

This list covers every Citroen C5 built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 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

    21.4%
    Advisory: 74Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    16.6%
    Advisory: 37Fail: 12 (24% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    10.7%
    Advisory: 33Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Major

    Drive shaft joint cover split and no longer keeps dirt out

    9.1%
    Advisory: 1Fail: 18 (95% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.0%
    Advisory: 18Fail: 5 (22% of the times it was found)

Based on 187 tests

Looking at a Citroen C5 Mk2?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Citroen C5 Mk2 (2008-2017) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 187 9-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 6,540 MOT tests on Citroen C5 models first registered between 2008-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.