2004 Citroen C2: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Citroen C2s, from 913 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 Citroen C2s than on all cars registered in 2004.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usualCitroen C214.9% All 2004 cars6.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Side repeaters4.8× usualCitroen C29.5% All 2004 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Individual direction indicators2.7× usualCitroen C29.1% All 2004 cars3.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Body structure rust or damage2× usualCitroen C26.7% All 2004 cars3.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.
- Brakes pulling to one side2.2× usualCitroen C23.9% All 2004 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Track rod ends: 3.1% here, against 6.6% of all 2004 cars.
By area
The share of 2004 Citroen C2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension47% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics44% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes35% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres35% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Exhaust and emissions16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Oil and fluid leaks15% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,747 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 1,358 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 1,505 | Suspension 46% |
| 2006 | 1,208 | Suspension 49% |
| 2005 | 1,205 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Citroen C2s registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score