2017 Citroen C4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Citroen C4s, from 954 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 2017 Citroen C4s than on all cars registered in 2017.
- Number plate lights4.6× usualCitroen C411% All 2017 cars2.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints4.8× usualCitroen C47.2% All 2017 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.8% of all 2017 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.
- Engine oil leaks2.8× usualCitroen C45.5% All 2017 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Headlight aim2.2× usualCitroen C44.2% All 2017 cars1.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £20–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.
- Exhaust system2.5× usualCitroen C43.7% All 2017 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.4% of all 2017 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.
By area
The share of 2017 Citroen C4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes23% 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.
- Suspension21% 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 electrics20% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints7% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4,935 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 4,508 | Tyres 26% |
| 2020 | 1,216 | Tyres 32% |
| 2019 | 4,989 | Tyres 33% |
| 2018 | 2,727 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 17,097 | Tyres 34% |
| 2015 | 26,960 | Tyres 35% |
| 2014 | 19,797 | Suspension 39% |
| 2013 | 11,424 | Suspension 40% |
| 2012 | 7,569 | Suspension 41% |
| 2011 | 6,041 | Suspension 45% |
| 2010 | 4,858 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2009 | 3,855 | Lights and electrics 44% |
| 2008 | 5,078 | Lights and electrics 48% |
| 2007 | 3,824 | Suspension 47% |
| 2006 | 1,273 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 644 | Suspension 54% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Citroen C4s registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score