2005 Citroen C2: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Citroen C2s, from 1,205 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 2005 Citroen C2s than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usualCitroen C213.9% All 2005 cars6%
Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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.
- Exhaust system1.7× usualCitroen C216.1% All 2005 cars9.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Individual direction indicators2.1× usualCitroen C27.4% All 2005 cars3.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.5% of all 2005 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.
- Side repeaters2.1× usualCitroen C23.7% All 2005 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1% of all 2005 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.
- Rust in key structural areas2.3× usualCitroen C23% All 2005 cars1.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£250 our estimateAt the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Brake pads: 3.6% here, against 7.7% of all 2005 cars.
By area
The share of 2005 Citroen C2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension52% 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.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Brakes30% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks18% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions18% 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.
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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% |
| 2004 | 913 | Suspension 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Citroen C2s registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score