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Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) (1999-2004) reliability

At a glance

Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) built around 2002: about average at the MOT

Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) models built around 2002 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) right now?

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

Key figure

33% of MOT tests on Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) models built around 2002 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) models built around 2002 involves the tyres.

Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate1999-2004HatchbackPETROL

Based on 3,580 tests of Saxo models registered 1999-2004.

About 1 in 8 Saxo Mk2 (S2) MOTs (12.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2002 (23 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,035 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 15 Saxo Mk2 (S2) MOTs (7.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2002 (23 years old).

Based on 1,035 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (S2) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
34534.2%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
99833.2%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,03532.9%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
77431.9%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
42833.6%

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 21 years old.

How the Saxo Mk2 (S2) compares

At each age below, see how the Saxo Mk2 (S2) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 4,126 tests across 5 Citroen models, built around 2002 (23 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateCitroen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
34534.2%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
99833.2%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,03532.9%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
77431.9%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
42833.6%

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.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 Saxo Mk2 (S2).

  1. 1

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.6%
    Dangerous
    6.6%

    Lower fail rate: 29.1%, against 32.9% for the Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2), both built around 2002.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,048 MOT tests on cars built around 2002

  2. 2

    Audi A3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    92%

    Lower fail rate: 28.3%, against 32.9% for the Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2), both built around 2002.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,127 MOT tests on cars built around 2002

  3. 3

    Skoda Fabia

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.8%
    Dangerous
    7.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 6.8%, against 12.4% for the Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2).

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,726 MOT tests on cars built around 2002

  4. 4

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    34.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) on these figures.

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

    5,966 MOT tests on cars built around 2002

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

3 recalls in all

2 of the 3 Saxo Mk2 (S2) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Parking brake efficiency may be reduced
  • Possibility of loss of brake servo assistance

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

What has gone wrong on Saxo Mk2 (S2) cars built around 2002

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 2,193 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
56%
Drivetrain
49%
Suspension
38%
Steering
17%
Bodywork
4%

Wear items

Lighting
78%
Brakes
74%
Tyres
52%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 12% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Saxo Mk2 (S2) cars have aged

How Saxo Mk2 (S2) 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%1719212325Age at MOTBuilt around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (122 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (113 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (85 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (64 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (54 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (1,310 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (1,078 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (856 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (718 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (607 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (1,609 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (1,232 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (996 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (787 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (591 tests, 2025 data)2002Built around 2001, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (1,400 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2001, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (1,140 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2001, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (869 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2001, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (682 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2001, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (546 tests, 2025 data)2001Built around 2000, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (686 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2000, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (549 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2000, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (421 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2000, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (337 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2000, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (264 tests, 2025 data)2000Built around 1999, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (202 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1999, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (145 tests, 2022 data)Built around 1999, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (107 tests, 2023 data)Built around 1999, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (105 tests, 2024 data)1999
First registered around 2004First registered around 2003First registered around 2002First registered around 2001
How each part holds up as Mk2 (S2) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 (S2) cars age

The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 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 car21 years22 years23 years24 years
Suspension41%43%38%43%
Brakes77%78%74%72%
Emissions53%54%56%57%
Tyres58%52%52%50%
Lighting73%78%78%74%
Drivetrain44%46%49%40%
Bodywork6%7%4%6%
Steering14%19%17%19%
Corrosion23%15%12%16%

Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 66 to 2,907 cars at each age.

Mk2 (S2) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Citroen Saxos of this age

This list covers every Citroen Saxo built around 2002, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (S2) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    22.1%
    Advisory: 235Fail: 3 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    18.2%
    Advisory: 264Fail: 21 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    14.8%
    Advisory: 213Fail: 1 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    14.1%
    Advisory: 172Fail: 22 (11% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    13.8%
    Advisory: 128Fail: 32 (20% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,035 tests

Looking at a Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2002 (23 years old), the Citroen Saxo Mk2 (S2) (1999-2004) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,035 23-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 3,580 MOT tests on Citroen Saxos first registered between 1999-2004. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.