Used car guide

2017 Citroen C4 Picasso: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Citroen C4 Picassos, from 3,001 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

3,001MOT tests in 2025
73%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
7,000typical miles a year
9.9×the usual rate for anti-roll bar link joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Citroen C4 Picassos than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints9.9× usual
    Citroen C4 Picasso
    7.9% All 2017 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.3% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Number plate lights3.3× usual
    Citroen C4 Picasso
    7.9% All 2017 cars
    2.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

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

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints3.6× usual
    Citroen C4 Picasso
    5.4% All 2017 cars
    1.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.8% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Track rod ends1.9× usual
    Citroen C4 Picasso
    3.7% All 2017 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2017 Citroen C4 Picasso MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    31% 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
    26% 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.

  • Suspension
    23% 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 electrics
    16% 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 mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    5% 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20181,157Tyres 32%
20161,678Tyres 33%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Citroen C4 Picassos registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score