2016 Citroen C3 Picasso: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Citroen C3 Picassos, from 2,005 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 2016 Citroen C3 Picassos than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Brake discs1.9× usualCitroen C3 Picasso23.8% All 2016 cars12.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt 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.
- Exhaust system5.8× usualCitroen C3 Picasso11.6% All 2016 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.5% of all 2016 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.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints5.1× usualCitroen C3 Picasso9.6% All 2016 cars1.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Brake lights4× usualCitroen C3 Picasso7.2% All 2016 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 1.4% of all 2016 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.
- Individual direction indicators8.8× usualCitroen C3 Picasso5.3% All 2016 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.2% of all 2016 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.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 1.5% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars. Coil springs: 1.8% here, against 4.1% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Citroen C3 Picasso MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Brakes28% 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 electrics25% 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 emissions12% 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.
- Suspension10% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints10% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3,241 | Tyres 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Citroen C3 Picassos registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score