Used car guide

2018 Citroen C3: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Citroen C3s, from 15,440 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

15,440MOT tests in 2025
76%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
6,500typical miles a year
10.2×the usual rate for exhaust system

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2018 Citroen C3s than on all cars registered in 2018.

  • Exhaust system10.2× usual
    Citroen C3
    11.2% All 2018 cars
    1.1%
    Rough price £100–£500

    At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

  • Brake discs1.6× usual
    Citroen C3
    17.2% All 2018 cars
    10.8%
    Rough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Number plate lights4.1× usual
    Citroen C3
    7.3% All 2018 cars
    1.8%
    Rough price £5–£40

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
    Citroen C3
    7.2% All 2018 cars
    3.2%
    Rough price £100–£300

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst)9.7× usual
    Citroen C3
    2.9% All 2018 cars
    0.3%
    Rough price £100–£500

    At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

By area

The share of 2018 Citroen C3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    32% 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.

  • Brakes
    20% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    17% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    13% 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.

  • Suspension
    12% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Citroen C3?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
201913,405Tyres 33%
201715,672Tyres 30%
20168,792Tyres 33%
201512,056Tyres 32%
201413,651Tyres 33%
201313,119Tyres 35%
201214,175Suspension 40%
201114,369Suspension 46%
201016,653Suspension 49%
20098,207Suspension 46%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 Citroen C3s registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score